摘要：The potential cytogenetic damage associated with pesticide exposure in Nicaraguan pesticide merchants was evaluated using micronuclei as biomarker in buccal mucosa cells (MNBC). Also, activity of acetylcholinesterase was monitored by titrimetric method and in an exploratory manner CYP2D6 mutations were identified. Most of these merchants did not employ any protective equipment / measures during their work. Micronuclei were analyzed in 30 individuals exposed to pesticides and in 30 non-exposed individuals (control), all men. The comparison between pesticide merchants and control reveal significant difference in the MNBC frequency (6.23±2.2 vs. 3.63±1.3 MN/2000 MNBC, P<0.001, student-t). Cholinesterase Levels indicate neurotoxic chronic effect in pesticide merchants. This is the first study in Nicaragua reporting cytogenetic effects of chronic exposure to pesticides in merchants occupationally exposed.d
