Hepatitis B: HB e Antibodies (HBe Ab)

The hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) is a product of the pre‑C/C gene which has been found in the hepatocytes during proliferation of the hepatitis B virus. HBeAg appears in serum during acute HBV infections and is detectable for a short period (days to weeks).

The detection of HBeAg is generally associated with the presence of large quantities of virus. In the recovery phase following acute hepatitis B, HBeAg is the first serological marker which becomes negative and is replaced by the corresponding antibody (anti‑HBe).

Acute and persistent HBV infections can also occur without HBeAg being detectable. Demonstration of anti‑HBe in these persons is an indication of the presence of precore stop codon mutants. These may be associated with high, low or non-detectable quantities of virus. The anti‑HBe test is therefore meaningful in association with the HBeAg test for monitoring the course of a HBV infection.