<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship between HBV DNA and hepatitis B virus large envelope protein (HBV-LP) in patients with chronic hepatitis B.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Serum HBV DNA was detected by RT-PCR and the HBV-LP was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in 320 serum samples collected from patients with chronic hepatitis B.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were no significant difference between positive rate of HBV-LP and that of HBV DNA in different HBeAg patterns (P>0.05). Serum HBV-LP levels were closely correlated with HBV DNA copies (r=0.949).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Serum HBV-LP is a reliable serological marker that can reflect the replication of HBV.</p>