Comet assay in neonatal sepsis.

Objective. To determine whether the DNA damage detected using the Comet assay helps in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis Methods. Sepsis was diagnosed, based on clinical findings, laboratory findings and positive culture results, in 24 of the 48 newborns who participated in the study. Hematological parameters, baseline demographic data and genotoxic evaluation were investigated. Results. There were no significant differences in hematological, demographic and genotoxic data between cases and controls. Conclusions. The Comet assay proved to be ineffective in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.