bacterial infection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bacterial infection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing medical conditions caused by bacteria, typically in a health or scientific context. Example: "The doctor diagnosed her with a bacterial infection that required a course of antibiotics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then a bacterial infection.

The Guardian

She died of a bacterial infection.

The Guardian

That leaves them prey to bacterial infection.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lymphangitis, bacterial infection of the lymphatic vessels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is caused by a bacterial infection, usually staphylococcus.

The New York Times

"Crocodiles have tremendous robustness against bacterial infection," Dr. Ross said.

The New York Times - Science

We have fretted about a candidate's bacterial infection.

The Guardian - Opinion

What are typical causes of the bacterial infection Salmonella typhimurium?

The New York Times

In October, a student contracted meningococcal meningitis, a bacterial infection.

The New York Times

Ulcers, for example, now known to be caused by a bacterial infection, are accompanied by inflammation.

The New York Times - Health

About a year ago, said Paul J. Boyle, the aquarium's director, Kathy caught a bacterial infection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a specific type of bacterial infection, be precise with the name of the bacteria involved (e.g., "Streptococcus infection" or "E. coli infection"). This enhances clarity and helps in targeted communication.

Common error

Avoid using "bacterial infection" when a more specific diagnosis is known. For example, instead of saying "the patient has a bacterial infection", specify the type, such as "the patient has pneumonia" or "the patient has a urinary tract infection".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bacterial infection" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a medical condition caused by bacteria, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bacterial infection" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe a medical condition caused by bacteria. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While it's frequently employed, being specific about the type of infection can enhance clarity. Alternatives like "microbial infection" or "bacterial disease" exist, but the original phrase remains widely accepted and understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

microbial infection

Replaces "bacterial" with a broader term, referring to any infection caused by microorganisms.

bacterial disease

Substitutes "infection" with "disease", focusing on the pathological state caused by bacteria.

septic infection

Highlights the septic nature of the infection indicating a severe reaction.

infectious disease caused by bacteria

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the cause of the infectious disease.

germ-related infection

Replaces "bacteria" with "germs", offering a more general term for disease-causing microorganisms.

septicemia

Refers specifically to a blood infection caused by bacteria.

bacteremia

Indicates the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, which may or may not cause infection.

infected by bacteria

Changes the structure to a passive voice, emphasizing the act of being infected.

bacterial contamination

Highlights the presence of bacteria leading to infection.

suppurative infection

Focuses on pus-producing aspect of the bacterial infection.

FAQs

What are common symptoms of a bacterial infection?

Common symptoms of a bacterial infection vary depending on the location and severity of the infection but can include fever, pain, redness, swelling, and pus. Specific infections may present with unique symptoms; it's best to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis.

How is a bacterial infection typically treated?

Bacterial infections are typically treated with antibiotics. The specific antibiotic used depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection. It's crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent antibiotic resistance.

What's the difference between a bacterial infection and a viral infection?

Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria and are treated with antibiotics, while viral infections are caused by viruses and do not respond to antibiotics. Viral infections may require antiviral medications or supportive care. Correct diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment.

What can I say instead of "bacterial infection"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "microbial infection", "bacterial disease", or specify the infection type, such as pneumonia or cellulitis, for greater clarity.