Michigan Food Safety Management Practice Test

What is the term used to describe a person who carries pathogenic microorganisms without showing symptoms?

1. Controller

2. Carrier

3. Pathogen

4. Innocent Bystander

The correct answer is: Carrier

The term that describes a person who carries pathogenic microorganisms without displaying any symptoms is "carrier." Carriers can harbor harmful pathogens in their bodies and potentially transmit those pathogens to others, despite not having any visible indications of illness themselves. This characteristic makes carriers particularly important in discussions of public health and food safety, as they can unknowingly contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, including foodborne illnesses. In contrast, the other terms do not accurately represent this concept. A "controller" does not apply in this context as it typically refers to someone managing or regulating processes, rather than carrying pathogens. "Pathogen" specifically refers to the microorganism itself that causes disease, not the person carrying it. Lastly, "innocent bystander" usually refers to a person who is indirectly affected by an event without any involvement, which does not align with the role of individuals who have the potential to spread diseases without showing symptoms.