Evaluation of DNA damage using the comet assay in children on long-term benzathine penicillin for secondary prophylaxis of rheumatic fever.

BACKGROUND

Benzathine penicillin is the most widely used antibiotic in the prophylaxis of children with rheumatic fever. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the DNA damage in children receiving one dose of 1.2 million units benzathine penicillin every 4 weeks over a long period to prevent recurrences of rheumatic fever.

METHODS

Thirty-five children with confirmed rheumatic fever under benzathine penicillin prophylaxis were enrolled in the study and 35 healthy children with similar ages and socioeconomic backgrounds served as controls. To detect any DNA damage, the comet assay was performed on circulating lymphocytes from the study subjects.

RESULTS

Damaged (limited and extensive migration) cells in children on prophylactic therapy were higher than those in controls (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

It has been suggested that differences in the comet scores were induced by the administration of benzathine penicillin over a long period of time and further investigations are needed to confirm this toxic effect.