What does the presence of HBeAg in blood signify?

The presence of HBeAg (Hepatitis B e antigen) in the blood is a significant marker in understanding the Hepatitis B virus infection. It signifies that the virus is actively replicating in the patient's body, indicating a high level of viral load and increased infectivity. This is particularly important for assessing the status of the infection, as individuals with HBeAg are typically at a higher risk for transmitting the virus to others.

While the presence of HBeAg does correlate with active Hepatitis B disease, it is more specifically the marker itself that is critical for understanding the viral activity. It's also essential to differentiate the implications associated with HBeAg from historical immunity or outcomes related to liver transplantation, which do not correlate directly with the presence of the antigen.