Question:
Which of the following is an indicator of active multiplication of the hepatitis B virus?
Which of the following is an indicator of active multiplication of the hepatitis B virus?
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Think about which hepatitis B marker is a secreted protein tied directly to viral replication, not just infection status.
Updated On: Jul 16, 2026
- HBsAg
- HBcAg
- HBeAg
- Anti-HBs
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks which hepatitis B viral marker signals that the virus is actively replicating in the liver, rather than simply marking past or resolved infection.
Step 2: Key Concept or Approach:
Hepatitis B serology has several markers, and each tells a different part of the story. HBsAg marks the presence of infection, acute or chronic, but not the replication status. HBcAg is never detected free in serum because it stays inside the hepatocyte and viral core. HBeAg is a secreted protein released only when the virus is actively assembling new viral particles, so its presence correlates with high viral load and infectivity. Anti-HBs is the antibody that appears after clearance of infection or after vaccination, signaling immunity rather than ongoing replication.
Step 3: Working Through the Options:
HBsAg confirms the person is infected with hepatitis B but stays positive throughout both acute and chronic infection regardless of how actively the virus is multiplying, so it cannot be used to judge replication. HBcAg is not used as a serum test since it is never released into the blood. HBeAg is the correct marker of active viral replication and high infectivity, which is why it is followed clinically to judge treatment response and infectivity risk. Anti-HBs appears once the virus has been cleared or after successful vaccination, indicating protection rather than active disease.
Step 4: Conclusion:
The correct answer is HBeAg, since its presence in serum reflects ongoing viral replication and high infectivity.
The question asks which hepatitis B viral marker signals that the virus is actively replicating in the liver, rather than simply marking past or resolved infection.
Step 2: Key Concept or Approach:
Hepatitis B serology has several markers, and each tells a different part of the story. HBsAg marks the presence of infection, acute or chronic, but not the replication status. HBcAg is never detected free in serum because it stays inside the hepatocyte and viral core. HBeAg is a secreted protein released only when the virus is actively assembling new viral particles, so its presence correlates with high viral load and infectivity. Anti-HBs is the antibody that appears after clearance of infection or after vaccination, signaling immunity rather than ongoing replication.
Step 3: Working Through the Options:
HBsAg confirms the person is infected with hepatitis B but stays positive throughout both acute and chronic infection regardless of how actively the virus is multiplying, so it cannot be used to judge replication. HBcAg is not used as a serum test since it is never released into the blood. HBeAg is the correct marker of active viral replication and high infectivity, which is why it is followed clinically to judge treatment response and infectivity risk. Anti-HBs appears once the virus has been cleared or after successful vaccination, indicating protection rather than active disease.
Step 4: Conclusion:
The correct answer is HBeAg, since its presence in serum reflects ongoing viral replication and high infectivity.
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