Months after being infected, the presence of hepatitis B e antigens (HBe Ag) in the blood indicates that the patient has not developed and continues to be infectious
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: True
Explanation (300 words):
The presence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in the blood months after infection indicates that the patient has not yet cleared the virus and remains infectious. HBeAg is a secreted product of the nucleocapsid gene of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), and its presence is strongly associated with active viral replication and high levels of HBV DNA in the blood.
In the natural history of HBV infection, HBeAg appears shortly after hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) during the acute phase of infection. Normally, as the immune system fights the infection, levels of HBeAg decline and eventually become undetectable. This is typically followed by the appearance of antibodies to HBeAg (anti-HBe), which usually signals a transition to a less infectious or inactive phase of the disease.
However, persistent presence of HBeAg several months after infection suggests that the immune system has not successfully suppressed viral replication. This is especially common in individuals who progress to chronic hepatitis B, particularly if they were infected perinatally (at birth) or in early childhood, when the immune system is less likely to mount a strong response.
Because HBeAg correlates with high levels of HBV in the blood, individuals who are HBeAg-positive remain highly infectious. This has significant public health implications, as they can transmit HBV to others through blood, unprotected sexual contact, or from mother to child during childbirth.
In clinical practice, the monitoring of HBeAg and anti-HBe is an important part of managing hepatitis B. It helps guide treatment decisions and provides insight into the stage and activity of the infection.
In summary, the presence of HBeAg months after initial HBV infection means the virus is still replicating actively and the patient remains infectious—making the statement true.