The natural history of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and disease is complex and
highly variable. We review the natural history of chronic hepatitis B with emphasis on the
rates of disease progression and factors influencing the course of the liver disease. Chronic
hepatitis B is characterized by an early replicative phase (HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis)
and a late low or non-replication phase with HBeAg seroconversion and liver disease
remission (inactive carrier state). Most patients become inactive carriers after spontaneous …