Antideoxyribonuclease B titers in psoriasis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
• The role of streptococcal infections in psoriasis pathogenesis is debated.
• Antideoxyribonuclease B (ADB) is a sensitive marker for streptococcal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serologic evidence of streptococcal infections in psoriasis patients.
• To compare the sensitivity of ADB and antistreptolysin O (ASO) in detecting streptococcal antibodies in psoriasis.
• To explore correlations between elevated antibody titers and clinical features of psoriasis.

Main Methods:

• Measured antistreptococcal antibody titers (ASO and ADB) in patients with psoriasis vulgaris, guttate psoriasis, and erythrodermic psoriasis.
• Compared titers with those of non-psoriatic dermatologic patients and a control group.
• Analyzed associations between elevated titers and patient histories.

Main Results:

• 41% of psoriasis vulgaris patients had elevated ADB or ASO titers, compared to 15% in controls.
• ADB titers were significantly higher in psoriasis vulgaris and guttate psoriasis patients versus controls.
• ASO titers were also significantly higher in psoriasis vulgaris patients.
• ADB titers were significantly higher than ASO titers within the psoriasis vulgaris group.

Conclusions:

• Psoriasis patients exhibit higher levels of antistreptococcal antibodies, especially ADB.
• These findings suggest a potential association between streptococcal infections and psoriasis.
• Elevated titers correlated with psoriasis flares, recurrence, family history, and infection history.