Hepatitis B E Antigen, Serum

The presence of HBeAg correlates with infectivity, the number of viral Dane Particles, the presence of core antigen in the nucleus of the hepatocyte and presence of viral DNA polymerase in serum. The presence of HBeAg usually indicates active viral replication and infectivity. This test can therefore be used for diagnosis and monitoring of hepatitis B virus infectivity; and for recognition of resolution of hepatitis B infection with seroconversion of the HbeAg to hepatitis B e antibody (anti-HBe). Absence or disappearance of HbeAg or anti-HBe does not rule out chronic hepatitis B carrier state and / or infectivity. On the other hand the presence of the anti-HBe antibody indicates the decrease of the active replication phase of virus and is a useful tool to monitor the seroconversion in case of acute infection or to determine the condition of HBV chronic carriers

Your doctor will help understand your test report. The presence of HBeAg usually indicates active viral replication and infectivity. This test can therefore be used for diagnosis and monitoring of hepatitis B virus infectivity; and for recognition of resolution of hepatitis B infection with seroconversion of the HbeAg to hepatitis Be antibody (anti-HBe).

Absence or disappearance of HbeAg or anti-HBe does not rule out chronic hepatitis B carrier state and / or infectivity. On the other hand the presence of the anti-HBe antibody indicates the decrease of the active replication phase of virus and is a useful tool to monitor the seroconversion in case of acute infection or to determine the condition of HBV chronic carriers.

<1.0 Non-reactive

The test is reported either as positive, negative or indeterminate and follow up tests will be required to come to a diagnosis.

Testing is recommended for high risk individuals – those who have more than one partners and when sexual partners are unknown. Men who have intercourse with men are also at risk for Hepatitis B. These high risk individuals need to be screened regularly for hepatitis B.

Vaccinations are also recommended for people who are at high risk. Vaccines is recommended for all infants and children below 18 years if they have not received the vaccine earlier. People with HIV, end stage liver disease other than hepatitis, end stage renal disease, people living with a person who has a history of Hepatitis B or has chronic Hepatitis B, household contacts of hepatitis B positive persons, injection drug users are all recommended for Hepatitis B Vaccination.

Other names: Hepatitis B antigen test, Hepatitis B Envelope Antigen Test, HbeAg test 

Hepatitis B is one of the most serious liver infections. Millions of people are living with chronic Hepatitis B infection. Even while Hepatitis B is entirely preventable, treatable and manageable, thousands still die from the disease every year.

Hepatitis B is caused by infection with Hepatitis B virus (Dane particle), an enveloped DNA agent that is classified as hepadnavirus. During the course of the illness, various serological markers appear. One of these markers is the HbeAg, found in the early phase of hepatitis B infection soon after hepatitis B surface antigen is detectable. Titers of both antigens rise rapidly during the period of viral replication.