What term describes individuals who carry harmful bacteria but do not show any symptoms?

The term that describes individuals who carry harmful bacteria but do not show any symptoms is "carrier." Carriers are often a significant concern in food safety and public health because they can unknowingly spread pathogens to others, even though they themselves may not exhibit any signs of illness. This ability to transmit infectious agents without showing symptoms makes carriers particularly challenging to identify and manage in preventing foodborne illnesses.

Other terms do not accurately capture the specific role of these individuals as effectively as "carrier." For instance, "transmitter" may suggest an active role in the transmission process but does not necessarily imply that the person is asymptomatic. "Donor" typically refers to someone who gives something, such as blood or organs, and does not relate to the concept of carrying pathogens. The term "asymptomatic" describes the state of not showing symptoms but does not explicitly refer to the bacteria that may be carried by the individual. Thus, "carrier" is the most precise term for individuals who harbor harmful bacteria without exhibiting symptoms.