Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)

Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) is a protein produced by the Hepatitis B virus during its replication in the body. Its presence in the blood indicates active viral replication and often signifies that the virus is highly infectious. Doctors use HBeAg testing to assess the severity of a Hepatitis B infection and guide treatment decisions. High levels of HBeAg can suggest a greater risk of liver damage, while the presence of antibodies against it (anti-HBe) suggests that the infection may be in a less active or resolving phase.