Permanent Carriers of Nontyphosa Salmonellae

Fifty-four permanent carriers of strains ofSalmonellaother thanS typhosawere discovered in Massachusetts between 1935 and 1969. The number of carriers discovered each year has remained the same despite a steady increase in reports of salmonellosis, probably due to less careful follow-up of patients with acute infections. Ten carriers, most of whom were asymptomatic, were implicated in outbreaks of salmonellosis; continuedSalmonellasurveillance may be indicated at least for food handlers and medical personnel. Orally administered antibiotics were uniformly unsuccessful in curing the carrier state. Cholecystectomy, combined with antibiotic treatment, cured 5 of 12 subjects. Therapeutic failure may result from sequestration of salmonellae outside the gallbladder and in structures to which antibiotics have limited access.