Which marker indicates active replication of HBV?

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Multiple Choice

Which marker indicates active replication of HBV?

HBeAg is a marker of active HBV replication and high infectivity. It is a secreted product made when the virus is actively replicating, so its presence in blood generally mirrors high HBV DNA levels. Seroconversion to anti-HBe (loss of HBeAg with appearance of anti-HBe) usually means replication has diminished and infectivity decreases. In contrast, HBsAg shows ongoing infection but doesn’t specifically indicate replication rate, anti-HBc reflects exposure/immune response rather than current replication, and anti-HBs indicates immunity or recovery. Note that in rare cases, replication can be active even without HBeAg due to viral mutations, but HBeAg remains the best general indicator of active replication.

HBeAg is a marker of active HBV replication and high infectivity. It is a secreted product made when the virus is actively replicating, so its presence in blood generally mirrors high HBV DNA levels. Seroconversion to anti-HBe (loss of HBeAg with appearance of anti-HBe) usually means replication has diminished and infectivity decreases. In contrast, HBsAg shows ongoing infection but doesn’t specifically indicate replication rate, anti-HBc reflects exposure/immune response rather than current replication, and anti-HBs indicates immunity or recovery. Note that in rare cases, replication can be active even without HBeAg due to viral mutations, but HBeAg remains the best general indicator of active replication.

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