40-year-old woman wishes to donate blood to help alleviate the chronic shortage of blood for transfusion. She is found to be positive for HBsag and is excluded as a blood donor. She feels fine. There are no significant physical exami- nation findings. Laboratory findings for total serum bilirubin AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, and albumin are normal Further serologic test results are negative for IgM anti-HAV anti-HBc, and anti-HCV Repeat testing 6 months later yields the same results. Which of the following is the most appropri- ate statement regarding the pathophysiology of this patient’s condition?