What is HEPATITIS B ENVELOPE ANTIBODY (Anti HBe)?
Hepatitis B is a disease that affects the liver. The Anti-HBeAg total test is done on patients who are suffering from chronic hepatitis B conditions. It is conducted in order to check the progression of the disease in the liver.
This test is performed not only for observing the progression of the disease but also to protect the larger population who are at risk from hepatitis B infection.
If both the test results for anti-HBeAg and HBeAg come positive then it denotes there is the presence of active Hepatitis B infection. However, if the former results come positive and the latter negative then it means that there is minimal infection.
- Determining infectivity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers
- Monitoring infection status of individuals with chronic hepatitis B
- Monitoring the serologic response of chronically HBV-infected patients receiving antiviral therapy
- Determining the level of hepatitis B e antibody
Clinical Information
During recovery from acute hepatitis B, the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) level declines and becomes undetectable and hepatitis B e antibody (anti-HBe) appears in the serum. Anti-HBe usually remains detectable for several years after recovery from acute infection.
In hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers and in patients with chronic hepatitis B, positive anti-HBe results usually indicate inactivity of the virus and low infectivity of the patients. Positive anti-HBe results in the presence of detectable HBV DNA in serum indicate active viral replication.
See the following in Special Instructions:
- HBV Infection-Diagnostic Approach and Management Algorithm
- Viral Hepatitis Serologic Profiles
Interpretation
The absence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) with the appearance of HBe antibody (anti-HBe) is consistent with inactivity of the virus and loss of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infectivity.
Although the resolution of chronic HBV infection generally follows the appearance of anti-HBe, the HBV carrier state may persist.
