Genotoxic effect of ribavirin in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.
In this study, we investigated the in vivo genotoxicity of ribavirin in humans, studying 3 patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever who were treated with high-dose ribavirin. In order to evaluate genotoxicity, both the micronucleus (MN) test and the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test were used. In all patients, blood samples were taken during and after therapy. Whole blood cultures were performed for 72 h and the MN assay and SCE test were then carried out to demonstrate the genotoxicity. In all patients, both SCE and MN amounts were found to be higher in the samples which were taken during therapy than in those at 1 month after therapy. The results of our study reveal that ribavirin has a reversible in vivo genotoxic effect on humans.
Tatar
Abdulgani
A
Department of Medical Genetics, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey. abdulganitatar@hotmail.com
Ozkurt
Zulal
Z
Kiki
Ilhami
I
D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006479:Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015162:Micronucleus Tests; D008875:Middle Aged; D009154:Mutation; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012854:Sister Chromatid Exchange / Q000187:drug effects
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D012254:Ribavirin