Bacterial infections

Trusted information about bacterial infections from leading Australian health organisations, including links to content on gonorrhoea and leprosy.

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Cefalexin

Cefalexin is used to treat bacterial infections in various parts of the body. This page explains how cefalexin works, its risks and other treatment options available in its place.

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Differences between bacterial and viral infection

Bacterial and viral infections must be treated differently. Misusing antibiotics to treat viral infections leads to the problem of antibiotic resistance.

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What causes cellulitis

Cellulitis is caused by bacterial infections.

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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.

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Neutropenia

Neutropenia is a condition in which there aren’t enough neutrophils which can lead to an increased risk of bacterial infections. Learn more about neutropenia.

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Whooping cough causes and diagnosis

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious bacterial infection passed on through close personal contact, sneezing and coughing. Find out more about its diagnosis.

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Whooping cough treatments

Whooping cough (also known as 'pertussis') is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. Learn more about treatment options available.

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Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that occurs to some humans and animals in humid conditions. The condition is treatable, but there are simple steps you can take to avoid getting leptospirosis.

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What causes gastritis?

Gastritis can be caused by drugs, bacterial infections, alcohol and stress. You can find out more about the causes of gastritis by reading information from our trusted partners.

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Whooping cough symptoms

Whooping cough (also known as 'pertussis') is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. Find out more about its causes, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, prevention.

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Whooping cough prevention

Whooping cough (also known as 'pertussis') is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. Find out more about its causes, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, prevention.

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Peritonitis

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

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Antibiotic resistance

Here’s important information about what antibiotics treat and don’t treat, an explanation of 'superbugs' and how antibiotic resistance can be reduced.

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Abscesses

Abscesses are painful collections of pus that builds up under the skin, in or between an organ. Find out more about abcesses on our trusted partner pages.

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Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Known as ‘pink eye’, conjunctivitis is a contagious disease that turns the whites of the eye pink. Read about symptoms and treatments here.

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What's the difference between food allergy and intolerance — and other health concepts?

Wonder why psychiatrists and psychologists are different? Did you know that prebiotics and probiotics are not the same? Learn the differences between those things, and more.

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Penicillin

Penicillin is the name given to a widely-used group of antibiotic drugs. Penicillin can have side-effects, and some people suffer allergic reactions. Find out more by reading the Healthdirect page about penicillin.

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Sore throat (pharyngitis)

A sore throat is normally a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection and is common with a cold or flu. Learn more about the self-care of sore throats.

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Meningococcal infections

Trusted information about meningococcal infections from leading Australian health organisations, including links to content on meningococcal vaccines.

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Cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder. Learn more about the signs, symptoms, treatments and self-care options and when to seek medical attention.

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Swollen glands

Glands are part of the lymphatic system and can become swollen for different reasons. Learn more about the causes and treatment for swollen glands.

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Pericarditis

Pericarditis is inflammation of the thin sheath around your heart. It can lead to problems ranging from swelling to a serious drop in blood pressure.

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Breast diseases

There are many different types of breast diseases.

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Dog, cat and bat bites

Dog and cat bites are the most common types of animal bite. Here’s what to do if you get bitten, with information about when to get medical help.

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Buruli ulcer

Buruli ulcer is a bacterial disease that can lead to severe skin and limb damage if left untreated. Recognise the symptoms and find out where it has been reported.

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Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a bacterial throat infection that usually affects primary school-aged children. Find out about its symptoms as well as treatments and preventions.

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Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea has increased

Cases of gonorrhoea have risen in Australia, and many people don't know they have it. But this STI can cause infertility if left untreated.

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Rheumatic fever

Rheumatic fever is a serious inflammatory disease that affects the body's connective tissues, especially those of the heart, joints, brain and skin.

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Streptococcal disease

Streptococcal disease is an infection which typically causes minor problems that are treated with antibiotics. Find links to trusted information about the disease here.

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