A 30-year-old man from an endemic area presents with persistent Salmonella bacteremia. Imaging reveals gallstones. The chronic carrier state of Salmonella Typhi is most strongly associated with colonization of which organ?
- A Spleen
- B Liver parenchyma
- C Gallbladder ✓
- D Terminal ileum
Correct answer: C. Gallbladder
Explanation
S. Typhi colonizes the gallbladder, particularly in patients with gallstones, forming biofilms on the stone surface. This results in intermittent shedding in stool and the chronic carrier state. The famous historical case 'Typhoid Mary' had gallbladder colonization. While the terminal ileum is the site of initial invasion, chronic carriage localizes to the biliary tract.
Reference: Jawetz, Melnick, and Adelberg's Medical Microbiology, 28th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.