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.

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.

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

Buruli ulcer is a bacterial disease that can lead to severe skin and limb damage. Learn more about the symptoms, treatment and prevention.

Diphtheria is an infectious disease that usually affects your nose and throat. Learn more about diphtheria symptoms, treatment and vaccination.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacteria found in the gut. E. coli infection can cause diarrhoea and vomiting, it is often spread by eating contaminated food.

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

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

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a rare but serious infection. Learn about Hib symptoms, treatment, and how the vaccine protects against it.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common type of bacteria that can live in the stomach and may cause inflammation, ulcers (sores) or stomach cancer

Impetigo, or school sores, is a highly contagious skin infection that causes sores and blisters. It's very common and mainly affects children.

Invasive staphylococcus infections (golden staph) are less common than other staph infections but usually more serious. Learn about staph infections.

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

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

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

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria from a tick bite. However, these bacteria have not been found in Australia. Find out more about Lyme disease here.

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

Meningococcal disease is a serious infection that can develop very quickly; find out about the symptoms and when to get medical attention.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can cause respiratory infection. Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of mycoplasma pneumoniae.

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

Peritonitis is a severe infection causing intense pain, fever and a hard abdomen. It requires immediate hospital treatment, often in ICU.

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

Q fever is an infection that you can catch from cows, sheep, goats and kangaroos. Learn more about Q fever symptoms, prevention and treatment.

Salmonella is a bacterial infection causing gastro-like symptoms, such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and fever. Learn about causes and treatments.

Scarlet fever is a bacterial throat infection usually affecting primary school-aged children. Find out about its symptoms, treatments and prevention.

Shigella infection is an infection of the gut that usually causes diarrhoea. You can become infected through contaminated food or water.

Staphylococcus bacteria cause many different types if infection. Learn about different kinds of staph infection, and how to prevent and treat them.

Strep throat is an infection of your throat caused by streptococci bacteria. Learn more about what it is, and its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

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

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

Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are diseases that are common in developing nations. Learn more about the causes, symptoms and treatment for typhoid.

Whooping cough is a contagious respiratory infection caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. Learn about the symptoms and vaccination.