A 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 examination 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 appropriate statement regarding the pathophysiology of this patient's condition?