Chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures of untreated leprosy patients

Abstract

The frequencies of various chromosome aberration and sister chromatide exchanges (SCEs) were studied in blood lymphocyte cultures of untreated leprosy patients. The frequency of chromosome aberrations was significantly higher in lepromatous (P < 0.001) and tuberculoid (P < 0.02) groups in comparison with that of controls. The frequency of SCEs was found to be within normal range in the tuberculoid group whereas in lepromatous group, as significant (P < 0.001) increase was observed. The findings indicate a probable correlation between the form of leprosy and chromosome damage.