Determination of anti-ssDNA antibodies is used in the investigation of patients with possible systemic lupus erythematosus.
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DNA-linked antibodies belong to the Nuclear Antibodies (ANA) group and appear in many autoimmune diseases. Antibodies that react with native double-stranded DNA (ds) are considered specific for systemic lupus erythematosus and occur in 50-80% of these patients. Antibodies against dsDNA are present during the acute phases of lupus erythematosus, and their serum concentration may be related to the severity of the disease. Thus, detecting these autoantibodies is essential for diagnosing and clinically monitoring the disease and has been established as one of the 11 criteria for diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus.
Antibodies against monoclonal (ss) DNA are up to 87% during the acute phase and up to 43% during remissions in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. They are not specific to lupus erythematosus because they are also found in other diseases such as infectious mononucleosis (40%), autoimmune hepatitis (58%), acute myeloid leukemia (89%), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (chronic leukemia) 60% and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (35-50%).
Medications may also cause symptoms that resemble systemic lupus erythematosus. Since anti-ssDNA antibodies are present in up to 50% of patients with medicinal lupus, determining antibodies against ssDNA is helpful for its differential diagnosis.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most critical parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. Between 70 to 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correctly interpreting laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased."
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be analyzed based on each case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon, we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
