What does a positive test for anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) usually indicate?

What does a positive test for anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) usually indicate?

• A. Rheumatoid arthritis
• B. Systemic lupus erythematosus
• C. Multiple sclerosis
• D. Scleroderma

Answer: (B)

A positive test for anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) is primarily associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a complex autoimmune disease. The presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies is a hallmark of SLE and indicates a specific immune response against the body's own dsDNA, which can contribute to the characteristic symptoms of this condition, including renal involvement and skin rashes. Anti-dsDNA antibodies are used as a diagnostic marker in SLE due to their strong correlation with disease activity, particularly in the context of lupus nephritis. Their presence can help differentiate SLE from other autoimmune disorders, given that other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma, do not typically result in a significant presence of these antibodies.

A positive test for anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) is primarily associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a complex autoimmune disease. The presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies is a hallmark of SLE and indicates a specific immune response against the body's own dsDNA, which can contribute to the characteristic symptoms of this condition, including renal involvement and skin rashes.

Anti-dsDNA antibodies are used as a diagnostic marker in SLE due to their strong correlation with disease activity, particularly in the context of lupus nephritis. Their presence can help differentiate SLE from other autoimmune disorders, given that other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma, do not typically result in a significant presence of these antibodies.