Hepatitis B Envelope Antigen (HBeAg)
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It indicates high levels of viral replication and infectivity in individuals with chronic or acute hepatitis B
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🧪 What is HBeAg (Hepatitis B Envelope Antigen)?
HBeAg is a viral protein secreted by Hepatitis B virus (HBV) during active replication. It indicates high levels of viral replication and infectivity in individuals with chronic or acute hepatitis B.
- Presence of HBeAg = Active viral replication and high transmission risk
- Disappearance (seroconversion) = Reduced replication and improved prognosis
❓ Why is the Test Done?
To:
- Assess HBV infectivity and replication status
- Differentiate active vs inactive carrier state
- Monitor treatment response in HBV patients
- Evaluate risk of vertical transmission (mother to baby)
- Guide decisions on antiviral therapy
📊 Normal Range / Reference Values
Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
Negative (Non-reactive) | No active viral replication or in window phase |
Positive (Reactive) | Active replication of HBV, high infectivity |
The exact values vary by assay, but results are usually qualitative: Positive / Negative.
📈 Interpretation of Results
Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
Positive HBeAg | Indicates active HBV replication and high infectivity |
Negative HBeAg + Positive Anti-HBe | Indicates seroconversion and lower infectivity |
Persistently Positive HBeAg | Seen in chronic hepatitis B, may suggest progression to liver damage |
Reappearance of HBeAg after loss | May indicate viral reactivation or treatment failure |
🧠 Associated Organs & Conditions
Organ | Conditions |
|---|---|
Liver | - Acute Hepatitis B |
Immune System | HBeAg positivity reflects inadequate immune control over HBV |
🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests
- HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen) – Indicates HBV infection
- Anti-HBe (HBeAb) – Indicates seroconversion and reduced replication
- HBV DNA (Quantitative PCR) – Viral load measurement
- Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST, Bilirubin) – Assess liver injury
- Liver Ultrasound or Elastography (FibroScan) – For fibrosis evaluation
- AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) – For hepatocellular carcinoma screening
✅ Fasting Required?
Test | Fasting Requirement |
|---|---|
HBeAg | ❌ No fasting required – Sample can be taken anytime |
📝 Summary Table
Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
What | Detects Hepatitis B Envelope Antigen, a marker of viral replication and infectivity |
Why | Assess disease activity, monitor treatment, and determine transmission risk |
Normal | Negative = No active replication |
Positive Result | Suggests high infectivity and viral load |
Follow-up Tests | Anti-HBe, HBV DNA, LFTs, AFP, liver imaging |
Associated Conditions | Acute/chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis, liver cancer |
Fasting Required | ❌ No |
How our test process works!
