Chronic hepatitis B phases

Chronic hepatitis B phases

Chronic hepatitis B phases

On this page

Chronic Hep B - A Phased Journey

Chronic HBV infection is a dynamic process, with distinct phases defined by the interplay between viral replication and the host immune response. Not all patients go through all phases, and transitions can occur.

  • 1. Immune Tolerant:
    • High HBV DNA (>1,000,000 IU/mL), Normal ALT.
    • HBeAg positive; minimal inflammation.
  • 2. Immune Active (HBeAg-positive):
    • ↓ HBV DNA, but >20,000 IU/mL; ↑ ALT.
    • Active inflammation & fibrosis progression.

    ⭐ This phase carries the highest rate of progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

  • 3. Inactive Carrier State:
    • Low/undetectable HBV DNA (<2,000 IU/mL), Normal ALT.
    • HBeAg negative, Anti-HBe positive.
  • 4. Reactivation (HBeAg-negative):
    • ↑ HBV DNA (>2,000 IU/mL), ↑ ALT.
    • Spontaneous or due to immunosuppression.

Phase Breakdown - The Viral Showdown

This table outlines the dynamic phases of chronic HBV infection, defined by the interplay between viral replication and the host immune response. Progression through these phases is not always linear.

Chronic Hepatitis B Phases: Serology and ALT Levels

PhaseHBeAgAnti-HBeHBV DNA (IU/mL)ALTLiver Histology
1. Immune Tolerant+-Very High (>1,000,000)NormalMinimal inflammation/fibrosis
2. Immune Active+-High (>20,000)Active inflammation, fibrosis progression
3. Inactive Carrier-+Low (<2,000) or UndetectableNormalMinimal inflammation, variable fibrosis
4. HBeAg-Negative Reactivation-+High (>2,000)Active inflammation, fibrosis progression
  • Immune Active (HBeAg-Positive): The immune system starts to recognize and attack infected hepatocytes, causing liver inflammation (↑ ALT) and damage.
  • Inactive Carrier: Occurs after HBeAg seroconversion. Viral replication is low and controlled by the immune system.
  • HBeAg-Negative Reactivation: Virus mutates (pre-core/basal core promoter) to replicate without producing HBeAg. Immune response resumes, causing inflammation.

Exam Favorite: The highest risk of progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs during the Immune Active and HBeAg-Negative Reactivation phases due to persistent necroinflammation.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Immune tolerant phase: HBeAg-positive with very high HBV DNA but normal ALT; minimal liver damage.
  • Immune active phase: Marked by elevated ALT, high HBV DNA, and active liver inflammation driving fibrosis.
  • Inactive carrier state: HBeAg-negative/anti-HBe positive with low HBV DNA (<2,000 IU/mL) and normal ALT.
  • Reactivation (HBeAg-negative hepatitis): Features elevated ALT and HBV DNA >2,000 IU/mL despite HBeAg loss.
  • Risk of cirrhosis/HCC is highest during the immune active and reactivation phases.

Practice Questions: Chronic hepatitis B phases

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 35-year-old male anesthesiologist presents to the occupational health clinic after a needlestick exposure while obtaining an arterial line in a patient with cirrhosis. In addition to a standard bloodborne pathogen laboratory panel sent for all needlestick exposures at his hospital, additional hepatitis panels are ordered upon the patient's request. The patient's results are shown below: HIV 4th generation Ag/Ab: Negative/Negative Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): Negative Hepatitis C antibody: Negative Anti-hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb): Positive Anti-hepatitis B core IgM antibody (HBc IgM): Negative Anti-hepatitis B core IgG antibody (HBc IgG): Positive What is the most likely explanation of the results above?

1 of 5

Flashcards: Chronic hepatitis B phases

1/10

What type of virus is Hepatitis B? (DNA, RNA (sense), etc.)_____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

What type of virus is Hepatitis B? (DNA, RNA (sense), etc.)_____

DNA

browseSpaceflip

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

Start Your Free Trial