Cytogenetic studies in patients treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

Cytogenetic studies were performed on bone-marrow cells from 12 patients with urinary tract infections treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (T + S). An increased number of micronuclei was presented in the patients compared with the control group, whereas structural chromosomal aberrations were not seen. The present study shows that T + S, like other folic acid antagonists, damage the human genetic material, and confirms that the micronucleus test is more sensitive than chromosome analysis in detecting a cytogenetic effect of chemical agents in man.