01/13/2026
Anti-DNase B antibody is an immunoglobulin produced by the immune system in response to deoxyribonuclease B (DNase B), an enzyme secreted by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus). Measurement of anti-DNase B levels is used to detect recent streptococcal infections, particularly when throat cultures are negative or infection occurred weeks earlier. Unlike antistreptolysin O (A*O), anti-DNase B antibodies are more consistently elevated following skin infections such as impetigo. Elevated titers support the diagnosis of post-streptococcal complications, including acute rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Anti-DNase B testing is often performed alongside A*O testing to improve diagnostic sensitivity. Results should be interpreted in the context of clinical findings and rising antibody titers over time.