This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Werle, E. Articles by Fiehn, W. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Werle, E. Articles by Fiehn, W. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

The Clinical Significance of Measuring Different Anti-dsDNA Antibodies by Using the Farr Assay, an Enzyme Immunoassay and a Crithidia luciliae Immunofluorescence Test

Central Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Bergheimerstr. 58, 6900 Heidelberg, Germany

Marta Blazek

Central Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Bergheimerstr. 58, 6900 Heidelberg, Germany

Walter Fiehn

Central Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Bergheimerstr. 58, 6900 Heidelberg, Germany

Anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies are highly specific for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but are heterogeneous in respect to, for example, avidity, class and cross-reactivity. Sera from 2061 patients were measured by three methods: an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an indirect immunofluorescence test with Crithidia luciliae as substrate (CLIF), and the Farr assay, a radioimmunological method based on the ammonium sulfate precipitation of immune complexes. The different anti-dsDNA antibody determinations were evaluated by analysis of patient records. The reason for a reactive Farr assay in 14 patients was predominantly the measurement of antibodies of the IgM class, which are not detected by the ELISA. The detection of additional antibodies to dsDNA of the IgA class, to single-stranded DNA or to histones plays a minor role. In comparison with the Farr assay, we found more positive results with the ELISA, which additionally detects anti-dsDNA antibodies of low avidity. The ELISA might also yield positive values in conditions such as chronic liver diseases, various infections and connective tissue diseases other than SLE. Avoiding the disadvantages of radioactivity, the ELISA is well suited as a screening test for dsDNA antibodies. However, positive results should be confirmed by the CLIF test or preferably by the Farr assay, thus combining sensitivity with specificity.

Key Words: Systemic lupus erythematosus • Anti-dsDNA antibodies • RIA • ELISA • Crithidia luciliae

Lupus, Vol. 1, No. 6, 369-377 (1992)
DOI: 10.1177/096120339200100606


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				A. Rouquette and C Desgruelles Detection of Antibodies to dsDNA: An Overview of Laboratory Assays Lupus, July 1, 2006; 15(7): 403 - 407. [Abstract] [PDF]

				H-P Jaekel, A Trabandt, N Grobe, and E Werle Anti-dsDNA antibody subtypes and anti-C1q antibodies: toward a more reliable diagnosis and monitoring of systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis Lupus, June 1, 2006; 15(6): 335 - 345. [Abstract] [PDF]

				E M Salonen, A Miettinen, T K Walle, S Koskenmies, J Kere, and H Julkunen Anti-telomere antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): a comparison with five antinuclear antibody assays in 430 patients with SLE and other rheumatic diseases Ann Rheum Dis, October 1, 2004; 63(10): 1250 - 1254. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C-Y Chen, H-M Tseng, L-C Chen, C-H Tsao, M-L Kuo, L-S Ou, and J-L Huang Use of a new fluorescence immunoassay to detect anti-dsDNA antibodies is more correlated with disease activity and complement than the ELISA method in SLE patients Lupus, April 1, 2003; 12(4): 266 - 273. [Abstract] [PDF]

				A Seltsam, P Schwind, K Abraham, F Hiepe, S Cygan, I Aebischer, and A Salama Rapid detection of autoantibodies to dsDNA with the particle gel immunoassay (ID-PaGIA) Ann Rheum Dis, April 1, 2002; 61(4): 367 - 369. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				W. Egner The use of laboratory tests in the diagnosis of SLE J. Clin. Pathol., June 1, 2000; 53(6): 424 - 432. [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. Bootsma, P. E Spronk, E. J T. Borg, E. J Hummel, G. de Boer, P. C Limburg, and C. G M Kallenberg The predictive value of fluctuations in IgM and IgG class anti-dsDNA antibodies for relapses in systemic lupus erythematosus. A prospective long term observation Ann Rheum Dis, November 1, 1997; 56(11): 661 - 666. [Abstract] [Full Text]