There are many types of bacteria, both good and bad. In fact, most bacterial species cannot cause disease. Many species even play beneficial roles producing antibiotics and foodstuffs. The soil teems with free-living bacteria that perform many essential functions in the biosphere, like nitrogen fixation. As well, our bodies are covered with commensal bacteria that make up the normal flora.

Bacterial infections are caused by the presence and growth of microorganisms that damage host tissue. The extent of infection is generally determined by how many organisms are present and the toxins they release.

The following infections are only helped by antibiotics. Click on a link to learn more about identification and treatment. (in process)

Staph aureas

• Impetigo
• Ecthyma
• Folliculitis
• Abscess, Furuncles, and Carbuncles
• Staphyloccocal Scalded Skin Syndrome
• Toxic Shock Syndrome
• Secondary infections
• Atopic dermatitis
• Cuts and Scrapes NEW!!!!
• Wound care
• MRSA –methicillin resistant staph aureus
  

Strep pyogenes

• Cellulitis
• Impetigo
• Ecthyma
• Erysipelas
• Scarlet Fever
• Necrotizing Fasciitis
• Streptococcal Peri-anal Disease
• Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome

Commensals (members of normal flora) - Includes corynebacteria, micrococci, and P. acnes

• Erythrasma
• Pitted keratolysis
• Trichomycosis axillaris

Mycobacterial Infections

• Leprosy
• Skin Tuberculosis
• Atypical Mycobacteria

Pseudomonas

• Pseudomonas Aeruginosas
• Folliculitis
• Hot tub folliculitis
• Cellulitis
• Pyoderma
• Ear infections
• Green Nail Syndrome
• Secondary infections
• Ecthyma Gangrenosum

Other Bacterial Infections

• Spirochetes
• Lyme Disease
• Rickettsial Disease
• Spotted Fever
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
• Mediterranean Spotted Fever
• Rickettsial Pox
• Typhus
• Q Fever
• Acute and Chronic Meningococcemia