The HBeAg (Hepatitis B e-Antigen) test detects the presence of the Hepatitis B e-antigen in the blood. HBeAg is a protein secreted by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) during active viral replication. Its presence in the blood indicates that the virus is actively multiplying and that the person is highly contagious.
This test is used alongside other Hepatitis B markers (HBsAg, Anti-HBc, Anti-HBe) to assess the stage of Hepatitis B infection, determine the level of infectivity, guide treatment decisions, and monitor the response to antiviral therapy. A positive HBeAg result indicates high viral activity and increased risk of transmission to others. Conversion from HBeAg positive to HBeAg negative (with appearance of Anti-HBe antibodies) is considered a positive sign of disease improvement and reduced infectivity.
