Lymphocyte proliferation kinetics and sister-chromatid exchanges in individuals treated with metronidazole

Metronidazole, an effective agent for the treatment of protozoan infections, is frequently used in developing countries. However, the employment of this drug has been questioned in view of its mutagenicity in bacteria and carcinogenicity in mice. A genotoxic study was carried out in which cellular proliferation kinetics and the frequency of sister-chromatid exchanges were determined in human peripheral blood lymphocytes from 12 individuals treated with therapeutic doses of metronidazole. No effect was observed on mitotic index with the treatment, although a significant increase was found in three individuals after treatment. No increase of sister-chromatid exchanges was detected. The rate of lymphocyte proliferation kinetics showed an increase after the metronidazole treatment in all patients, indicating a possible immunostimulatory action.