Diseases
bacterial infections
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
A bacterial infection occurs when bacteria enter the body, increase in number, and cause a reaction in the body. Bacteria can enter the body through an opening in your skin, such as a cut or a surgical wound, or through your airway and cause infections like bacterial pneumonia.
Symptoms
- fever
- headache
- chills
- fatigue (tiredness).
Causes
- many kinds of bacteria cause infections. you usually get bacterial infections when bacteria get into your body through your mouth, your nose, your eyes or a cut in your skin
Risk factors
- eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy products.
- antibiotic use, which can kill the good bacteria that usually fight off bad bact
Diagnosis
- blood tests.
- skin or other affected tissue.
- phlegm (sputum).
- fluid around your brain and spinal cord (cns fluid).
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is bacterial infections?
A bacterial infection occurs when bacteria enter the body, increase in number, and cause a reaction in the body. Bacteria can enter the body through an opening in your skin, such as a cut or a surgical wound, or through your airway and cause infections like bacterial pneumonia.
What are the symptoms of bacterial infections?
fever, headache, chills, fatigue (tiredness).
What causes bacterial infections?
many kinds of bacteria cause infections. you usually get bacterial infections when bacteria get into your body through your mouth, your nose, your eyes or a cut in your skin
Which medicines are used for bacterial infections?
amoxicillin, cefoxitin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, colistin, dicloxacillin, gentamicin, lincomycin, lomefloxacin, metronidazole, pefloxacin, piperacillin, streptomycin, tobramycin
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