After being found to have slightly elevated liver function tests (LFTs), a 46-year-old man who is moderately overweight and has diabetes is found to have a positive hepatitis-B surface antigen. However, the hepatitis B e antigen is negative. There are antibodies to the e antigen but not to the surface antigen. The AST is 110 U/L, and the ALT is 88 U/L. The albumin, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase levels are normal.
Which of the following statements concerning this patient is false?
(A) He is a carrier of hepatitis B
(B) Lamivudine would be ineffective in treating his carrier state
(C) Interferon should be considered only if the e antigen is positive
(D) He is not infectious to other persons because the e antigen is negative
Which of the following statements concerning this patient is false?
(A) He is a carrier of hepatitis B
(B) Lamivudine would be ineffective in treating his carrier state
(C) Interferon should be considered only if the e antigen is positive
(D) He is not infectious to other persons because the e antigen is negative