What does the presence of HBeAg signify?

The presence of HBeAg, or Hepatitis B e Antigen, signifies active viral replication in individuals infected with the Hepatitis B virus. When HBeAg is detected in the blood, it indicates that the virus is actively multiplying, which correlates with higher levels of viral load. This condition is often associated with greater infectivity, meaning that the individual is more likely to transmit the virus to others.

In the context of Hepatitis B infection, the detection of HBeAg is an important marker for assessing the phase of the disease. Individuals with high levels of HBeAg typically have a more severe form of liver disease and need closer monitoring and possibly treatment to manage the infection and prevent complications like liver damage or cirrhosis.

The other provided answers do not accurately represent the significance of HBeAg. For instance, the notion that the individual is no longer contagious would be incorrect, as HBeAg positivity indicates ongoing viral activity. Similarly, stable liver function or the presence of a dormant infection would not correlate with HBeAg presence, as these conditions typically involve low or undetectable levels of the virus and corresponding antigens.