Indirect immunofluorescence test for the qualitative determination of anti-nDNA IgG antibodies in serum or plasma.
Detection of antibodies against native double-stranded DNA (Anti-nDNA, Anti-dsDNA) is very important for laboratory diagnostics of systemic lupus erythematosous (SLE). Immunofluorescence assays based on antigens of the flagellate Crithidia luciliae have a high diagnostic specificity. Sensitivity is somewhat lower, especially in patients with no signs for an active disease state.
Antibodies against native DNA are more than specific markers for the disease; they are also suitable parameters for measuring lupus disease activity. Therefore, Anti-nDNA antibodies are among the most frequently detected autoantibodies that are associated with SLE. They are found in 95 % of SLE patients with renal involvement, in 50 – 70 % of SLE patients without renal involvement and in 40 % of patients with inactive SLE. Anti-nDNA antibodies are rarely found in healthy individuals.