Hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg) | Antibodies

General Information

The hepatitis B virus E antigen is a small polypeptide that exists in free form in the serum of infected patients in the early stages of HBV infection, after the appearance of the S surface antigen. In the phase of active reproduction of the virus, the level of S and E antigens increases rapidly. The presence of HBeAg E antigen in the serum corresponds to the activity of the viral process, the number of virions (small particles containing the virus genome) in the serum, and the presence of the main antigen in hepatocytes.

At the end of the acute process, the level of E antigen decreases and finally disappears, while at this time antibodies developed against E antigen (anti-HBe) appear. Antibodies against the E antigen remain in the serum for many years, even after the acute process is over.

In hepatitis B virus carriers and patients with chronic hepatitis, a positive E antigen indicates virus replication and an active infectious process. A negative indicator of E antigen means a minimal level or complete absence of virus activity and reproduction.