A person who carries disease-producing bacteria or viruses with no recognizable symptoms is called?

• A. Asymptomatic carrier
• B. Contagious infection
• C. Bloodborne pathogens
• D. Immunity

Answer: (A)

Carrying disease-producing bacteria or viruses without showing symptoms is being an asymptomatic carrier. This means the person harbors the infectious agent in their body and can spread it to others even though they feel healthy. This distinction matters in infection control because someone can appear well while still transmitting the pathogen.

The other terms don’t fit as neatly: a contagious infection describes the ability to spread the disease, but it doesn’t specify that the carrier has no symptoms. Bloodborne pathogens refer to specific agents transmitted through blood, not the carrier state itself. Immunity is protection from disease, not carrying pathogens.