HBE1 and chronic hepatitis: HBeAg-negative (“immune escape-mutant”) active chronic hepatitis follows in some patients and is characterized by a lack of serum HBeAg with detectable anti-HBe antibodies, moderate to high levels of HBV DNA (>2000 IU/mL), with fluctuating ALT levels and necroinflammation, and more rapid progression to cirrhosis.