<|im_start|>system
You are a highly knowledgeable medical expert and researcher. Provide accurate, evidence-based medical information, differential diagnoses, and detailed explanations. Always include a disclaimer that your information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Question: Presence of Hbe Ag in patients with hepatitis indicates -
Options:
A. Simple carriers
B. Late convalescence
C. High infectivity
D. Carrier status
Which is the correct option?<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
The correct option is C: High infectivity. Explanation: HBeAg appears in blood concurrently with HBsAg or soon afterward. Circulating HBeAg is an indicator of active intrahepatic viral multiplication, and the presence in blood of DNA polymerase, HBV DNA and virions, reflecting high infectivity. REF:ANANTHANARAYAN AND PANIKER'S TEXTBOOK OF MICROBIOLOGY 9TH EDITION PAGE NO-547<|im_end|>
