Anti-dsDNA antibodies are characteristic of which disease?

• A. Dermatomyositis
• B. Systemic lupus erythematosus
• C. Hashimoto's thyroiditis
• D. Systemic sclerosis

Answer: (B)

Anti-dsDNA antibodies are highly specific for systemic lupus erythematosus. Their presence strongly supports SLE and often tracks with disease activity, especially lupus nephritis, where rising levels can indicate renal involvement. Other diseases listed have different characteristic autoantibodies—dermatomyositis is more associated with anti-Mi-2 or anti-Jo-1 antibodies, Hashimoto's thyroiditis with anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and systemic sclerosis with anti-centromere or anti-Scl-70 antibodies. Therefore, anti-dsDNA antibodies are most characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus.