FIG. 2.

Sequential changes of precore mutant ratios in 53 HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B. (a) Patients who experienced sustained remission of hepatitis during follow-up of at least 12 months after anti-HBe seroconversion (n = 34); (b) Patients who experienced remission of hepatitis after anti-HBe seroconversion but had subsequent relapse (n = 13); (c) patients who had persistent high viremia and ALT elevation for more than 6 months after anti-HBe seroconversion (n = 6). Open circles, HBeAg-positive phase; closed circles, anti-HBe-positive phase.