The mammalian in vivo micronucleus and sperm morphology assays are widely used as part of the battery of assays for genotoxicity testing required during the development of new drugs. Genotoxicity data on Ciprofloxacin in mammalian system are very limited and mostly contradictory. This study provides more data by assessing the genotoxic potential of ciprofloxacin using mouse micronucleus and sperm morphology assays. 320μg/ml, 160μg/ml, 80μg/ml, 32μg/ml and 16μg/ml of ciprofloxacin were daily administered intraperitoneally for 5 days, after which the animals were sacrificed for the assays. The results showed a statistically significant (p<0.05) concentration-dependent induction of micronucleus and abnormal sperm morphology in the exposed mice. Result indicates a warning signal to injudicious and indiscriminate use of the drug.
