Persistent anti-DNA antibodies and DNA-anti-DNA complexes in post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Two patients with the typical clinical, serological and pathological features of acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis were found to have elevated serum concentrations of DNA-anti-DNA complexes, and, in one case, of anti-DNA antibody, both single and double stranded. The DNA-anti-DNA complexes were found to persist for 15 and 21 months respectively following the initial illness, despite rapid resolution of the clinical features and severe renal dysfunction. It is suggested that the DNA-anti-DNA complexes may have a pathogenetic role in post-streptococcal nephritis, or alternatively act as a marker of those patients who will develop nephritis after a streptococcal infection.