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.

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Necrotising fasciitis

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

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What is the difference between bacterial and viral infections?

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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Leptospirosis

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

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Cefalexin (Cephalexin)

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

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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.

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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.

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Campylobacter infection

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

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Antibiotics

Antibiotics revolutionised medicine in the 1940s because they treated infections caused by bacteria. Learn how antibiotics work and how to take them.

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Osteomyelitis

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

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Melioidosis

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Invasive staph infections

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

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Listeria and listeriosis

Listeriosis is a type of food poisoning caused by eating foods contaminated with Listeria bacteria and can be dangerous for certain people. Find out more here.

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Toenail infection

Toenail infections are common but they may also be a sign of other conditions. Find out more about what a toenail infection is, common causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and prevention.

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Botulism

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

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Pneumococcal disease

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

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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