Most patients start with a non-inflammatory phase with high levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg, the presence of HBeAg and normal ALT levels (HBeAg-positive chronic infection; EPCI), followed by an inflammatory phase with increased ALT levels, fluctuating HBV DNA levels and the presence of HBeAg (HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis; EPCH), while some patients remain in the EPCI phase. The gene discussed is GPT; the disease is chronic hepatitis.