What is anti DNAse B?

What is anti DNAse B?

DNase B is an enzyme produced by almost all strains of beta hemolytic Group A and a few strains of Group C and G streptococci. Patients infected with these strains of streptococci form antibodies against DNase B. Serologic tests for anti-DNase B are helpful in confirming the diagnosis of streptococcal infections.

What is a DNase protein?

Crystals of a DNase protein. A deoxyribonuclease (DNase, for short) is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolytic cleavage of phosphodiester linkages in the DNA backbone, thus degrading DNA. Deoxyribonucleases are one type of nuclease, a generic term for enzymes capable of hydrolyzing phosphodiester bonds that link nucleotides.

How are anti-DNAse B and Aso test results interpreted?

Anti-DNase B and ASO test results may be interpreted together. Anti-DNase B and ASO antibodies are produced about a week to a month after a strep infection. The amount of anti-DNase B antibody (titer) peaks about 4 to 6 weeks after the illness and may remain elevated for several months.

What does a high anti DNAse B titer mean?

Deoxyribonuclease B (DNase B) Antibody. The reciprocal of the highest dilution of serum showing inhibition is the anti-DNase B titer. Elevated titers are found in approximately 80% of acute rheumatic fever cases. An elevated anti-DNase B titer is helpful in diagnosing acute rheumatic fever in the 20% of patients who do not have elevated ASO titers.