Deoxyribonucleic Acid Antibodies Research Articles

Bortezomib treatment prevents glomerulosclerosis associated with lupus nephritis in a murine model through suppressive effects on the immune and renin–angiotensin systems

Objective: To clarify the mechanisms underlying lupus nephritis (LN) amelioration following bortezomib treatment.Methods: Bortezomib was administered subcutaneously every 3 days to NZB/W F1 mice, and the serum anti-double stranded (ds) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) antibody titers and proteinuria levels were measured. The renal samples and the splenocytes were examined histologically or used for real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis after 18 weeks of treatment. Serum cytokine and anti-dsDNA antibody levels were measured using flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunoassays every 3 weeks. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, angiotensin II type-1 receptor (AT1R), and type I collagen expression levels in the glomeruli were evaluated using immunohistochemistry.Results: Bortezomib reduced the serum anti-dsDNA antibody titers and the proteinuria levels. It prevented inflammatory cell infiltrations into and the deposition of immunoglobulin G within the glomeruli. Bortezomib reduced the interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-10 levels in the serum and the ribonucleic acid expression levels for these cytokines within the splenocytes. Bortezomib prevented type I collagen synthesis by downregulating TGF-β and AT1R expression in the glomeruli.Conclusions: Bortezomib exerts multiple immunosuppressive effects and thus ameliorates LN. Furthermore, bortezomib can prevent glomerulosclerosis formation in NZB/W F1 mice through suppressive effects on the renin–angiotensin system.

Epitope spreading induced by immunization with synthetic SSB peptides.

Sjogren's syndrome type B (SSB)/La antibody is an autoantibody generally observed in connective tissue diseases whereas double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) antibodies are the most characteristic autoantibodies found in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The relationship of these autoantibodies remains unclear. The aim of the study was to determine the profile of antibody production in rabbits immunized with synthetic SSB peptides alone or with dsDNA. For this purpose, 214–225aa peptide of SSB antigen was synthesized based on the organic chemistry solid-phase peptide synthesis. Rabbits were immunized with the following antigens: i) synthetic SSB peptides linked with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH); ii) dsDNA; iii) SSB plus dsDNA; iv) KLH; and v) phosphate-buffered saline. SSB peptide antibody was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay while extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) antibody and dsDNA antibody were measured by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence, respectively. The results showed that a specific anti-SSB peptide antibody was produced following immunization with SSB epitope alone or with dsDNA. The SSB peptide antibody titer in the coimmunization group was higher than that of the SSB alone group. In addition, antibodies against ribonucleoprotein (RNP), Smith and/or dsDNA were detected in rabbits of the coimmunization group. The presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies in the rabbits immunized with SSB peptide suggested the induction of epitope spreading. In conclusions, SSB antibodies were produced in rabbits immunized with SSB peptide or SSB+dsDNA, whereas SSB antibody titers were higher in the coimmunization group. Furthermore, coimmunization was associated with epitope spreading.

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing in patients treated with biological DMARDs: is it useful?

The appearance of biologic agents for the treatment of diverse autoimmune diseases in particular rheumatoid arthritis at the end of the 1990s changed the treatment of these patients. With the introduction of new agents in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, we started to notice the presence of new and sometimes unexpected adverse events. It is well recognized that infections are the main concern with these types of treatments; however, the occurrence of autoimmune abnormalities is also seen and its gaining perhaps more attention as the use of these agents is increasing. The first clinical trials of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNFα) inhibitors showed an increase of antinuclear and anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) antibodies in patients treated with these agents. In this paper, we review the frequency of these autoantibodies in patients treated with biologic agents, particularly anti-TNF-α inhibitors, and its correlation with autoimmune processes as well as the clinical relevance of such findings.

Familial Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare, self-limiting disease of unknown aetiology presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy, fever, vomiting, weight loss, night sweats and chills. Familial occurrence of KFD is reported very rarely in literature. We report two cases from the same family presenting with KFD. The two non-twin sisters presented with symptoms of fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, night sweats and chills 6 months apart. The elder sibling with KFD also manifested mononeuritis multiplex. Laboratory evaluation revealed raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein levels and leucopenia. Anti-nuclear antibody and anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid antibody were negative. Histopathological findings were suggestive of Kikuchi -Fujimoto's disease. The patients responded well to oral corticosteroid treatment.

Autoantibodies in the sera of breast cancer patients: Antinuclear and anti-double stranded DNA antibodies as example.

Inflammation and cell necrosis are one of the consequences that accompany breast cancer. However, inflammation and cell necrosis are well known to be involved in stimulation of cellular and humeral immunity. The aim of this study is to investigate the immune response to the inflammation that accompanies cancer through measuring plasma concentration of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) and anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid antibodies (ADSDAs). Thirty-five newly diagnosed breast cancer patients were involved in this study from the Radiation Isotopes Center Khartoum (RICK) compared to 18 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Intravenous blood sample was obtained from each study subject and Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) technique was used to determine the concentration of the two antibodies. Regarding the ANA concentration in the patients; the range was 0.7-1.8 IU/ml, mean was 0.96, and the standard deviation (SD) was 0.25; while the range of the concentration in the control subjects was 0.3-0.6 IU/ml, mean was 0.47, and SD was 0.07. However, when the means of patients and controls were compared, the difference was significant (P < 0.000). Concerning the result anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA), its concentration range in the patients was 2.6-151.9 IU/ml, the mean was 55.2, and SD was 25.6, while in healthy people concentration range was 26.1-97.3 IU/ml, the mean was 50.3, and SD was 16.9. There was no significant change between the patients and controls (P = 0.46). The ANA concentration in the patients was significantly increased, while there was no significant difference between the results of ADSDAs in the patients and the control subjects.

Asymptomatic proteinuria, renal cysts and dorsal pancreas agenesis

A 28-year-old woman was referred to our institution for evaluation of asymptomatic proteinuria. She had no significant past medical history and no family history of diabetes mellitus or kidney disease. Physical examination was unremarkable: blood pressure was 108/70 mmHg and she had no edema. Laboratory investigations found serum creatinine 74 μmol/L and normal electrolyte levels. Serum albumin was 38 g/L and liver enzymes were normal. Fasting glucose was 5.7 mmol/L. Serum complements were normal. Anti-nuclear antibody and anti-doublestranded deoxyribonucleic acid antibody were negative. Urine protein-creatinine ratio was 0.51 g/g. Urine examination under high-power field microscopy found three white blood cells and no red cells. Kidney ultrasonography found normal sized kidneys with simple subcentimeter subcortical cysts bilaterally. A computer tomography urogram found mild cortical scarring in the upper pole of the right kidney but no hydronephrosis. The urinary bladder was unremarkable. Incidentally, most of the body and tail of the pancreas was not visualized although the head and uncinate process appeared normal (Figure 1). The uterine endometrial cavity appeared to diverge at the fundus, suggesting an arcuate uterus. What is the diagnosis?

SAT0033 The Clinical Application of Detection of Antinuclear Antibodies Spectrum Eighteen Items in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

ObjectivesTo explore the clinical application value of detection of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) spectrum eighteen items in the diagnosis and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsANA spectrum eighteen item were detected...

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Associated with Rowell's Syndrome

A 22-year-old man with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presented with 2 weeks of a generalized rash and oral ulcers. The patient was diagnosed with SLE at the age of 3 based onmalar rash, photosensitivity, oral ulcers, and arthritis, which were controlled with chronic low-dose corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine. At the age of 18, the patient developed aseptic meningitis and acute left anterior uveitis; both were responsive to increased doses of corticosteroids. He did not follow up with a rheumatologist for approximately 4 years, during which time he took no medication until 4 months prior to admission when he experienced a lupus flare with malar rash, oral ulcers, fatigue, and neuropsychiatric symptoms including severe headache, distal paresthesias, slurred speech, and a subacute decline in mental status (difficulty concentrating, slowing thoughts, word finding difficulties, and memory loss). Laboratory testing at that time revealed a moderately high titer positive antinuclear antibody (ANA), in a coarse speckled pattern, and anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA) antibody, normal levels of C3 and C4 and positive Ro (SS-A), Smith (Sm), U1-ribonucleoprotein, anticardiolipin immunoglobulin A (IgA) (42U), and Beta-2 glycoprotein-I IgA (57U) antibodies. The patient was treated with high-dose corticosteroids, started on hydroxychloroquine 200mg twice daily, aspirin 81mg, and esomeprazole 40mg once daily, with clinical improvement. Patient was subsequently tapered down on prednisone therapy accordingly from 60 to 40mg once daily regimen. Two weeks prior to admission at our institution, the patient developed new oral ulcers and generalized rash. The rash, which was minimally pruritic, initially appeared on his hands and arms, and then extended to his trunk and face, sparing his lower extremities and buttocks. Small painful vesicular lesions with serous discharge developed on his palms and fingers. His oral ulcers, initially discrete and small, became diffuse and painful and made it difficult for him to eat, as per patient's selfreport. He sought care at an emergency department at another institution where he was treated with intravenous valacycloir for possible disseminated herpes-simplex viral (HSV) infection and with vancomycin for a possible bacterial skin superinfection. Less than 24h there, the patient left against medical advice, and presented to our hospital the following day. The patient denied joint pain, neurological symptoms, fevers or chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, diarrhea, constipation, dysuria, or hematuria. The patient had known allergies to penicillin and erythromycin, but no history of recent exposure to these drugs. His medications were prednisone 40mg alternating with 20mg daily, hydroxychloroquine 200mg twice daily, aspirin 81mg daily, and esomeprazole HSSJ (2013) 9:289–292 DOI 10.1007/s11420-013-9356-6

Castleman’s Disease Combined with the Development of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

©2013 Turkish League Against Rheumatism. All rights reserved. We present the case of a 16-year-old boy who was admitted to our hospital with hair loss, mainly on the top of his head, which had been occurring for seven months and erythema on his face, which had begin two months prior to coming to our facility. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 22 mm/h, and a urinalysis showed a urinary albumin to creatinine level of 966.4 mg/g., urine protein of 2+, and a urinary protein excretion rate of 808.4 mg/day. The C-reactive protein (CRP) level was normal, and the patient’s C3 and C4 complement protein levels were 31 and 34 mg/dL, respectively. The antinuclear antibodies (ANA) test was positive at a titer of 1:80, whereas tests for the anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA) antibody, antiextractable nuclear antigen antibody (ENA), and anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) were negative. Both ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) showed lymph node enlargement at the neck, axillary fossa, and inguinal groove. One of the right axillary fossa lymph nodes was removed, and a pathological examination revealed reactive proliferation of the lymphatic follicle and hyalinized prominent vessels. In addition, there was partial fibrosis in the interstitial tissue. After evaluating all of the data, the patient was diagnosed with Castleman’s disease (CD) and treated with five cycles of f ludarabine 40 mg d1-d3 and cholera toxin (CTX) 0.4g d1-d3. During the regular follow-up program, the US and CT scan showed a marked decrease in the size of the swollen lymph nodes, and no obvious recurrence was detected.

Anti-dsDNA Positivity in a Patient with Prostate Cancer and Acute Kidney Injury: A Case Report

OBJECTIVE: Patients with malignancies may develop autoimmune and rheumatic manifestations as a result of generation of autoantibodies, paraneoplastic syndromes, direct invasion of joints and muscles by the tumour cells, or combination chemotherapy. We present a case with prostate cancer and acute kidney injury (AKI) mimicking rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis with a positive test result for anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid antibodies (Anti-dsDNA ab).

A Positive Anti-Nuclear Antibody Result Does Not Contraindicate Living Kidney Donation

Autoantibodies may precede the clinical onset of disease in up to two-thirds of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There is thus concern that antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity in living kidney donors may eventuate in development of lupus nephritis post-uninephrectomy. Post-uninephrectomy, we routinely examine living kidney donors at 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and annually thereafter. We performed a retrospective review of living kidney donors who had undergone uninephrectomy between July 1, 1999, and December 1, 2008. Data were collected for pre- and post-uninephrectomy renal function, proteinuria, hematuria, ANA, and anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA) antibodies. Among 68 living donor uninephrectomies performed during the study period, we excluded patients with no pre- uninephrectomy ANA or defaulted postoperative follow-up (n = 2). Twelve (18.2%) living donors were ANA-positive (M:F = 4:8) with a median titer of 1:100 (range, 1:100–1:800); 1 was transiently anti-dsDNA-positive. There were no significant differences between ANA-positive and ANA-negative donors in baseline demographics or pre-uninephrectomy creatinine clearance (median 108.0, range 79–179 mL/min vs. 106, range 58–172 mL/min, P = NS). Only 1 ANA-positive patient displayed transient microscopic hematuria (8 red blood cells); none had proteinuria pre-nephrectomy. Median follow-up was 63.5 (range, 21.2–139.3) months. At last clinic review, none of the ANA-positive donors had developed clinical symptoms or signs of SLE. Comparing ANA-positive and ANA-negative live donors at 5 years post-uninephrectomy, there were no significant differences in creatinine clearance (median 86.5, range 67–112 mL/min vs. 85.0, range 35–154 mL/min, P = NS), total urine protein (median 0, range 0–0.196 g/24 h vs 0, range 0–0.190 g/24 h, P = NS), or presence of hematuria (16.7% vs 33.3%, P = NS). Isolated ANA positivity does not contraindicate living kidney donation. Up to 5 years post- uninephrectomy, the risk of developing clinical lupus among low-titer ANA-positive individuals remains low.

Clinical Profile of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus vary between different parts of the World; however, this information on Nepalese systemic lupus erythematosus does not exist. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology criteria treated in Patan Hospital were studied by means of retrospective review of their case records. The results were compared with various regional and international studies. The female to male ratio was 36:1 with a mean age at diagnosis 28.67 years. Cutaneous manifestations were the most common 72 (96%) presentations followed by musculoskeletal involvement 70 (93%). Haematological and renal involvements each were present in 33 (44%) of patients. Pulmonary and neuropsychiatric involvements were present in 15 (20%) and 8 (11%) patients respectively. Antinuclear antibody and anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid antibodies were positive in 70 (93%) and 66 (88%) of patients respectively. A quarter of patients had some form of co-morbid conditions. At the time of last follow up, 70 (93%), 66 (90%), and 6 (9%) of patients were taking antimalarials, steroids and immunosuppressive agents respectively, mostly in combinations. Eighty seven percent of patients had their disease activity under control at the time of last follow up whereas four percent still had an active disease. In another four percent died during the course of therapy and the outcome was unknown in another four percent of patients who lost to follow up. Clinical characteristics and antinuclear antibody pattern of Nepalese lupus patients is more or less similar to those with patients from other countries in the region and in the World.

Lupus Erythematosus–Associated Primary and Secondary Anetoderma

Anetoderma (focal loss of dermal elastic tissue) can either be primary, which is an idiopathic occurrence of anetoderma in normal areas of the skin, or secondary, which is preceded by an inflammatory dermatosis in the same location. Sporadic reports of lupus erythematosus-associated anetoderma have been described in the literature. All reported cases were positive for antiphospholipid antibodies. We present a patient with primary and secondary anetoderma with chronic lupus dermatitis and negative antiphospholipid antibodies. A middle-aged woman presented with a soft nodule with a wrinkled surface on her left arm and an erythematous atrophic plaque with a nodular surface on the chest. Skin biopsy from the left arm showed epidermal atrophy without inflammatory changes. Histologic findings of the lesion on the chest were consistent with chronic lupus dermatitis and secondary anetoderma. Laboratory investigations showed positive antinuclear antibody anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) antibody but negative antiphospholipid antibodies. Primary and secondary anetodermas may occur in patients of lupus dermatitis without positive antiphospholipid antibodies.

Painless orbital myositis

Idiopathic orbital inflammation is the third most common orbital disease, following Graves orbitopathy and lymphoproliferative diseases. We present a 11 year old girl with 15 days history of painless diplopia. There was no history of fluctuation of symptoms, drooping of eye lids or diminished vision. She had near total restricted extra-ocular movements and mild proptosis of the right eye. There was no conjunctival injection, chemosis, or bulb pain. There was no eyelid retraction or lid lag. Rest of the neurological examination was unremarkable.Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was raised with eosinophilia. Antinuclear antibodies were positive. Liver, renal and thyroid functions were normal. Antithyroid, double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid and acetylcholine receptor antibodies were negative. Repetitive nerve stimulation was negative. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the orbit was typical of orbital myositis. The patient responded to oral steroids. Orbital myositis can present as painless diplopia. MRI of orbit is diagnostic in orbital myositis.

Naturally occurring V region connected antibodies inhibit anti-dsDNA antibody reactivity with dsDNA

The production of autoantibodies against a vast array of self antigens, most notably double stranded (ds) DNA, characterized systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The purpose of this work is to study specific Ig fractions isolated from normal human serum (NHS) and their effect on the binding of anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) antibodies (Abs) to dsDNA. A fraction named immunoglobulin G (IgG)-reactive IgG was purified from total NHS IgG by absorption onto (CNBr)-activated Sepharose 4B linked to intact IgG molecules (IgG-Sepharose column). IgG-reactive IgG was co-incubated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient's serum and binding of the anti-dsDNA Abs to dsDNA was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Co-incubation of SLE patient's serum with IgG-reactive IgG resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in binding of anti-dsDNA Abs to dsDNA. A reduction greater than 70% was observed at a concentration of 300μg of IgG-reactive IgG per mL of a 400-fold diluted SLE patient's serum whereas total NHS IgG, at the same concentration, resulted in a 10% reduction in binding. The purification process used to isolate IgG-reactive IgG was based on interactions between intact Ig rather than on interactions between F(ab’)2 portions. IgG2 is the predominant immunoglobulin (Ig) subclass in IgG-reactive IgG. Thus, IgG2 might have an important role in the connectivity characteristics of NHS IgG. The capacity of IgG-reactive IgG to inhibit anti-DNA Ab binding to dsDNA may have potential application in the treatment of SLE. This targeted biological approach may provide an alternative strategy to immunosuppressants.

Low human papillomavirus prevalence in head and neck cancer: results from two large case–control studies in high-incidence regions

Recent studies support an important role for human papillomavirus (HPV) in a subgroup of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). We have evaluated the HPV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) prevalence as well as the association between serological response to HPV infection and HNSCC in two distinct populations from Central Europe (CE) and Latin America (LA). Cases (n = 2214) and controls (n = 3319) were recruited from 1998 to 2003, using a similar protocol including questionnaire and blood sample collection. Tumour DNA from 196 fresh tissue biopsies was analysed for multiple HPV types followed by an HPV type-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol towards the E7 gene from HPV 16. Using multiplex serology, serum samples were analysed for antibodies to 17 HPV types. Statistical analysis included the estimation of adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and the respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). HPV16 E7 DNA prevalence among cases was 3.1% (6/196), including 4.4% in the oropharynx (3/68), 3.8% in the hypopharynx/larynx (3/78) and 0% among 50 cases of oral cavity carcinomas. Positivity for both HPV16 E6 and E7 antibodies was associated with a very high risk of oropharyngeal cancer (OR = 179, 95% CI 35.8-899) and hypopharyngeal/laryngeal cancer (OR = 14.9, 95% CI 2.92-76.1). A very low prevalence of HPV DNA and serum antibodies was observed among cases in both CE and LA. The proportion of head and neck cancer caused by HPV may vary substantially between different geographical regions and studies that are designed to evaluate the impact of HPV vaccination on HNSCC need to consider this heterogeneity.

Drug-induced sensorineural deafness caused by antithyroid drugs: a rare side effect

Acute ototoxicity is a rare but important complication of antithyroid drugs. Although previous cases have been reported in the medical literature, these cases occurred in younger patients with serological evidence of lupus-like syndrome with positive antidouble-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. We describe the case of a 68-year-old Caucasian male who developed deafness and tinnitus one week after being prescribed carbimazole. The management options include stopping the culprit drug, treatment with immunosuppressive drugs and referring the patient for urgent thyroidectomy. Healthcare professionals who prescribe antithyroid drugs should be aware of this rare but potentially serious complication, so that early drug withdrawal and referral for surgery can be considered.

Drug-Induced Hepatitis and Lupus during Infliximab Treatment for Psoriasis: Case Report and Literature Review

Infliximab (IFX) can induce elevation of hepatic aminotransferase levels. Hepatitis has been reported in patients treated with IFX and with risk factors such as viral hepatitis, alcohol intake, or concomitant use of hepatotoxic drugs. Liver disorders occurring in a patient without risk factors have rarely been reported, and liver biopsies to substantiate the liver changes have very rarely been described. The presence of lupus-like symptoms with newly positive antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), sometimes with double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) antibodies, has also been reported with IFX. Only a few articles have reported in detail these types of adverse events in patients with psoriasis. To our knowledge, the combination of lupus-like symptoms with simultaneous occurrence of a biopsy-proven hepatitis has not been reported with the use of IFX for psoriasis. Description of a case of drug-induced hepatitis in a patient with concurrent clinical and serologic features of lupus induced by IFX. We present the case of a 40-year-old woman with psoriasis who developed a biopsy-proven drug-induced hepatitis and concurrent lupus symptoms with positive ANAs while under IFX treatment. A review of related publications is presented. The clinician must be aware of uncommon side effects of IFX, such as liver anomalies and development of autoantibodies. Liver enzymes should be monitored regularly, and ANAs should be checked if liver enzymes are increasing and in the presence of lupus symptoms.

Prevalence of autoantibodies in patients of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the skin and joints. Autoantibodies have been reported in psoriasis patients. Objective of the study was to see the prevalence of various autoantibodies in patients of psoriasis and its correlation with gender, age, and type. Anti-nuclear antibody and antibody to double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid were studied by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, rheumatoid factor was done by latex agglutination, whereas anti-thyroid microsomal antibody (anti-TMA) was by gelatin agglutination method. About 28.8% of psoriasis cases were positive for atl east one autoantibody. Age of onset (P=0.033) and types of psoriasis (P=0.037) had significant association with gender. Anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (P=0.029) and anti-thyroid microsomal antibody (P=0.002) had significant association with types of psoriasis. Gender wise distribution of psoriasis in age group had significant (P=0.03) association with anti-TMA. This study concludes that the autoantibodies are found to be present in psoriasis patients or latent autoimmune diseases develop in psoriasis patients without any clinical symptoms.

Prevalence of Rickettsia species antibodies and Rickettsia species DNA in the blood of cats with and without fever.

Rickettsia species antibodies have been detected in some cats but it is unknown whether infected cats develop clinical signs. The prevalence of Rickettsia species deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in blood from clinically ill cats has not been determined. The objective of this study was to determine if cats with fever (body temperature >or=102.5 degrees F [39.2 degrees C]) were more likely to have evidence of rickettsial infection than healthy, age-matched, control cats with a body temperature<102.5 degrees F. Rickettsia species polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were performed to detect rickettsial DNA extracted from blood (71 paired samples), indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFA) were performed to detect serum antibodies against Rickettsia felis (90 paired samples) and Rickettsia rickettsii (91 paired samples), and the results between pairs were compared. All samples were negative for Rickettsia species DNA. More cats with fever were seropositive for R felis or R rickettsii than control cats, but results were not statistically significant. Results of this pilot study failed to show an association between Rickettsia species DNA or Rickettsia species antibodies and fever.