Chronic and acute infection of the gall bladder by Salmonella Typhi: understanding the carrier state

John Gunn and colleagues summarize recent progress in our understanding of the mechanisms of gall bladder infection by Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi, in particular the mechanisms involved in S . Typhi biofilm formation on gallstones. Despite major treatment and prevention efforts, millions of new typhoid infections occur worldwide each year. For a subset of infected individuals, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi colonizes the gall bladder and remains there long after symptoms subside, serving as a reservoir for the further spread of the disease. In this Progress article, we explore recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms by which Salmonella spp. — predominantly S . Typhi — colonize and persist in the human gall bladder.