Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can affect many parts of your body. Find out about bacterial infections, how they are treated and how to stop them spreading.

Read more

Necrotising fasciitis

Necrotising fasciitis is a serious bacterial infection that spreads quickly through the body. Learn why early diagnosis and wound care are crucial.

Read more

What is the difference between bacterial and viral infections?

Bacterial and viral infections can have similar symptoms but are treated differently. Find out more about bacterial and viral infections.

Read more

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that occurs in some humans and animals in humid conditions. Learn what you can do to prevent it.

Read more

Leprosy

Leprosy is a bacterial infection that mostly affects your skin and nerves. Leprosy is rare in Australia and can be easily treated with antibiotics.

Read more

Cefalexin (Cephalexin)

Cefalexin is used to treat bacterial infections. Read how cefalexin works; what the risks are and other treatment options available.

Read more

Abscesses

Abscesses are painful collections of pus that build up and get ‘walled off’ by your body under the skin or in other areas. Learn how to treat abscesses.

Read more

Campylobacter infection

Campylobacter infection causes gastroenteritis, but most people recover in 1-2 weeks with rest and fluids. Learn about symptoms and treatment here.

Read more

Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. Read about symptoms, causes and treatment of osteomyelitis, and how you can prevent permanent bone damage.

Read more

Melioidosis

Melioidosis is a disease caused by bacterium, which can be life-threatening. If you have melioidosis, you must get treated quickly.

Read more

Anthrax

Anthrax is very rare in Australia. It is a serious infectious disease you can catch if in contact with infected animals or animal products.

Read more

Toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an infection caused by bacteria. It's very rare but symptoms can develop quickly. Learn more about TSS here.

Read more

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Learn more about how antibiotics work, how to take them and antibiotic resistance.

Read more

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is an infection of your skin and the tissues directly beneath it. It often affects your lower leg, but can occur on any part of your body.

Read more

Staph infections

Are you at risk of a staph infection? Learn how to spot the signs and symptoms of different kinds of staph infection, and how to prevent and treat it.

Read more

Invasive staph infections

Invasive staphylococcus (staph) infections are less common than staph skin infections but usually more severe. Learn about the different types here.

Read more

Toenail infection

Toenail infections are common but may indicate other health issues. Find out more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and prevention.

Read more

Listeria and listeriosis

Listeriosis, a food poisoning caused by Listeria bacteria, poses risks for pregnant women, older people and those with weak immune systems.

Read more

Botulism

Botulism is a rare, potentially fatal illness causing paralysis, vision, swallowing and breathing problems. Botulism needs urgent hospital treatment.

Read more

Pneumococcal disease

Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection that is easily spread. Read more about pneumococcal symptoms, treatment and vaccination here.

Read more

Group A streptococcal infection

Group A streptococcal (GAS) infection is a bacterial infection. Find out about the symptoms and treatment for GAS infection, and how to prevent it.

Read more

Group B streptococcal infection

Group B streptococcal (GBS) infection is a bacterial infection. Find out about prevention, symptoms and treatment, including in babies and pregnancy.

Read more

Whooping cough

Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection and is most serious in babies. Here's how to spot the symptoms and protect infants.

Read more

Mesenteric adenitis

Mesenteric adenitis causes tummy pain due to swollen lymph nodes and is common in children under 16 years old. Learn about symptoms and treatment.

Read more

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is inflammation of the hollow spaces in the skull behind and between the eyes, forehead and cheeks. Read more about symptoms and treatment.

Read more

Swollen lymph nodes (swollen glands)

Swollen lymph nodes, or glands, often signal infection. Learn common causes, when to see a doctor and how they are diagnosed and treated.

Read more

Peritonitis

Peritonitis is a life-threatening condition and requires urgent medical attention. Find out more about peritonitis.

Read more

Throat diseases

Your throat is part of your respiratory and digestive systems. Learn how to manage conditions that affect it, such as strep throat and colds.

Read more

Penicillin

Penicillin is the name of a widely used and effective group of antibiotic medicines. Read more on safety, side effects, and signs of allergy.

Read more

Tetanus

Tetanus is an infection that can be fatal. Because of vaccination, few people now get tetanus infection in Australia. Learn more about tetanus here.

Read more