This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Liver & Biliary Tract, Subject name: Pathology
In Chronic Hepatitis B (HBV) infection presence of HBeAg (Hepatitis B e antigen) suggests which of the following? 
Select and explain. 
A. Ongoing viral replication, B. Resolving infection, C. Development of cirrhosis, D. Development of Hepatoma
A: Ongoing viral replication
Answer: A: Ongoing viral replication 
Explanation: Ans. (a) Ongoing viral replication(Ref: R 9th/pg 831-832)HBeAgThe principal clinical usefulness of HBeAg is as an indicator of relative infectivity.HBeAg, HBV-DNA & DNA polymerase appear in serum soon after HBsAg, and all signify active viral replication.Persistence of HBeAg is an important indicator of continued viral replication, infectivity, and probable progression to chronic hepatitis.The appearance of anti-HBe antibodies implies that an acute infection has peaked and is on the decline.