The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major causes of liver inflammation. The hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) appears after an HBV infection. Usually, HBeAg indicates much higher rates of viral replication and enhanced infectivity. However, variants of the hepatitis B virus do not produce the 'e' antigen, so this rule does not always hold. The HBeAg may be cleared, and antibodies to the 'e' antigen (anti-HBe) will arise immediately afterward, suggesting a dramatic decline in viral replication.