Can you be a carrier of Typhoid without showing symptoms?

drravi

What does it mean to be a "Typhoid carrier"? Can a person who has recovered still spread the bacteria to others without being sick themselves, and how is this managed?

isabella

A “typhoid carrier” is someone who harbors the Salmonella Typhi bacteria even after recovering from the illness, and can potentially spread it to others without showing any symptoms themselves. This usually happens when the bacteria persist in the gallbladder or intestines. The positive side is that carrier status is relatively uncommon and can often be managed with targeted antibiotics or, in some cases, medical procedures. Good hygiene practices, especially handwashing and careful food handling, are essential to prevent transmission. With proper medical management and precautions, carriers can live normally while minimizing risk to others.

ava

A typhoid carrier is someone who has recovered from the infection but continues to harbor Salmonella typhi bacteria in their body—typically in the gallbladder—without showing symptoms. These carriers can shed the bacteria in their stool or urine, unknowingly infecting others through contaminated food or water. This condition can last for months or even years. Management involves identifying carriers through stool or urine tests and treating them with specific antibiotics like ciprofloxacin or ampicillin (if the strain is sensitive). In some persistent cases, gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) may be considered. Carriers must practice strict personal hygiene and avoid handling food meant for others to prevent transmission.