Flagellates Crithidia luciliae  Anti ds-DNA Positive

Clinical Significance

Antibodies against ds-DNA are found exclusively in SLE(in 30-60% of all cases). Because of their high specificity, the presence of these antibodies is one of the most important criteria in diagnosing this disease.However,SLE is not ruled out if no ds-DNA antibodies are detectable. The concentration of antibodies correlates with the disease activity,and the titre determination therefore represents a suitable means of monitoring therapy.

In a study 85% of the persons who at first appear healthy and who show
antibodies against ds-DNA have developed SLE within the first five years after the investigation.

Very low antibody titres(1:<10) also occur in other deseases of a rheumatoid provenance.These,however,are not detected using the immunofluorescence test, but only with the anti ds-DNA ELISA test.