Final answer:
If the hepatitis B antigen level remains high in the serum, it indicates an ongoing infection with the hepatitis B virus. This can lead to chronic hepatitis B infection, which can cause liver damage and increase the risk of liver cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the hepatitis B antigen level remains high in the serum, it indicates an ongoing infection with the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B is inflammation of the liver caused by the virus, and a high antigen level suggests that the immune system has not been able to clear the virus from the body. This can lead to chronic hepatitis B infection, which can cause liver damage and increase the risk of liver cancer.