In active hepatitis B infection, which marker indicates increased viral replication?

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Multiple Choice

In active hepatitis B infection, which marker indicates increased viral replication?

HBe antigen reflects active hepatitis B replication because it is produced and secreted in large quantities when the virus is actively multiplying in hepatocytes. Its presence in the blood correlates with high HBV DNA levels and greater infectivity. When replication declines, HBeAg often disappears and anti-HBe appears, signaling lower viral activity. By contrast, HBsAg indicates infection in general, not how actively the virus is replicating, and anti-HBc (IgM) indicates acute exposure rather than replication level.

HBe antigen reflects active hepatitis B replication because it is produced and secreted in large quantities when the virus is actively multiplying in hepatocytes. Its presence in the blood correlates with high HBV DNA levels and greater infectivity. When replication declines, HBeAg often disappears and anti-HBe appears, signaling lower viral activity. By contrast, HBsAg indicates infection in general, not how actively the virus is replicating, and anti-HBc (IgM) indicates acute exposure rather than replication level.

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