Fluorescent enzyme immunoassay for antibody to single- or double-stranded DNA

Fluorescent enzyme immunoassays have been developed for antibody to either single-stranded (ssDNA) or double-stranded (dsDNA) DNA. Preliminary testing of several clinically distinct groups of persons is consistent with the suggestion that the former assay (anti-ssDNA antibody) has sufficient sensitivity and specificity to be used as a generalized test for the detection of possible systemic lupus erythematosus in a heterogeneous clinical population. Further evaluation may ultimately establish its utility in the diagnosis of other related disorders. The sensitivity and specificity of the anti-dsDNA antibody fluorescent enzyme immunoassay are compatible with its use as a confirmatory test in the laboratory diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Qualitative comparisons between both assays and the more classic laboratory procedures involved in the diagnosis and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus were quite favorable. The enzyme immunoassay method appears to be acceptably reproducible, and rheumatoid factor has neither a suppressive nor an enhancing effect on test values.