... DNA and HBeAg are two other key markers appearing precociously, and are indicative of active viral replication. The former may be present at levels exceeding 105 to 106 copies/mL and can be ... Africa, the Mediterranean countries, and Alaska where such children exhibit HBeAg-positivity, elevated ALT, and peripubertal seroconversion to anti-HBe; and (iii) acquisition of HBV during adulthood ... New developments (TaqMan technology, molecular beacons) that decrease the number of handling steps, reduce contamination, and increase throughput and the accuracy of quantification will further...