What does reactive anti-HBe mean?

When the anti-HBe is also reactive, this means the individual is in the process of healing and is less contagious. A non-reactive HBeAg result (with a reactive anti-HBe result) in a person with hepatitis B indicates that the infection is in its initial phase, before peak replication of the virus.

What does HBeAg positive mean?

The hepatitis e antigen, or HBeAg, is a marker of an actively replicating HBV virus infection. Those with a positive HBeAg have active replication in their liver cells, more of the virus circulating in their blood, and as a result, they are more infectious, with a higher likelihood of transmitting HBV to others.

What is HBeAg test negative mean?

If the HBeAG test result is negative, it means that the e-antigen is no longer present in someone diagnosed with hepatitis B. However, it is possible for the virus to keep replicating and for the HBeAG-negative person to require treatment.

What is HBeAg and anti-HBe?

Presence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and absence of HBe antibody (anti-HBe) usually indicate active hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and high infectivity. Absence of HBeAg with appearance of anti-HBe is consistent with loss of HBV infectivity.

What is anti-HBe antibody?

Anti-HBe are one of the antibodies produced by the body when it defends itself against hepatitis B. These antibodies are directed against the “soluble” or extractable part of the “core” antigen of the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Can HBeAg-negative become positive?

A negative HBeAg result indicates very minimal or no HBV replication. Positive anti-HBe results usually indicate inactivity of the virus and low infectivity.

Why is HBeAg test done?

This test looks for hepatitis B surface antigens in your blood. The test is used to find out whether you have a recent or long-standing infection from the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV has proteins called antigens on its surface that cause your immune system to make antibodies.