The evaluation of genotoxic potential of ornidazole, nitroimidazole, in lymphocyte culture of patients with amebiasis.

The genotoxicity study of ornidazole (ONZ) was carried out on human lymphocyte chromosomes, using sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and micronucleus (MN). Thirty-two patients with Entemoeba histolitica infection who received 1000 mg/day for 10 days were included in this study. SCE and MN were measured before and after therapy. A statistically significant increase was observed in the SCE (P < 0.001) and MN frequencies (P < 0.001) after ornidazole therapy. It was concluded that ONZ has a potential geno- and cytotoxic effect in human peripheral lymphocyte cultures. For this reason, further, detailed studies are needed to elucidate the ONZ mechanism of genotoxicity and its carcinogenic potential.