Hepatitis B Envelope Antibody (AntiHBe)
The "Green Light" for Lower Infectivity
The Anti-HBe (Hepatitis B e-Antibody) test is a specific marker used to monitor the activity of the Hepatitis B virus in people who are already known to be infected.
While the Surface antigen (HBsAg) tells us you have the virus, the Envelope markers (HBeAg and Anti-HBe) tell us what the virus is doing.
- HBeAg (Antigen): The virus is multiplying rapidly (High Infectivity).
- Anti-HBe (Antibody): Your body has pinned the virus down (Low Infectivity).
A positive Anti-HBe result is usually a good sign. It indicates that the virus has stopped actively replicating and has gone into a "dormant" or "sleeping" phase.
Why Is This Test Critical?
This test is not for general screening; it is for Disease Management. Doctors order it for patients with Chronic Hepatitis B to check for "Seroconversion."
- Monitoring Treatment: If you are taking antiviral medication, the goal is often to flip your status from HBeAg Positive $\rightarrow$ Anti-HBe Positive. This "flip" is called seroconversion.
- Checking Contagiousness: A person with Anti-HBe is typically much less contagious than someone without it.
- Determining Phase: It helps classify the infection as "Chronic Active Hepatitis" vs. "Inactive Carrier State."
