Infections and infectious diseases

Eine Frau hat ihren Rücken freigemacht. Eine weitere Person hört die Lunge der Frau mit einem Stethoskop ab.

Acute bronchitis

With acute bronchitis, the lower airways (bronchi) become temporarily inflamed. Initially, there is a dry cough but phlegm may later be coughed up from the airways.

Urinary tract infections (cystitis): young woman sitting on a bed with both hands on her groin.

Cystitis (urinary tract infection)

Women are most likely to get urinary tract infections. Cystitis is caused by bacteria and can usually be treated effectively. A burning pain when passing urine is typical.

Acute middle ear infection

Middle ear infections are one of the most common illnesses among small children. Children with an infection cry often and complain of pain.

Athlete’s foot: person with surgical gloves examining toes on two feet.

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) can redden or crack the skin and cause itchiness. It can usually be effectively treated with creams from a pharmacy. Keeping the feet dry is important with athlete’s foot.

Tick-borne encephalitis: close-up of a tick sitting on a blade of grass.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection transmitted ticks.

Man sitting on a treatment chair with one leg stretched forwards. A doctor applies liquid nitrogen to a wart on his foot.

Warts

Most people experience warts at some stage of their lives. Warts are contagious and often very difficult to get rid of. Children and adolescents are at the highest risk of developing warts.

A young woman lies exhausted on the couch.

Long COVID – long-term effects of COVID-19

Long COVID refers to health issues that persist or occur weeks or months after an acute COVID-19 infection. Fatigue and loss of stamina are common symptoms.

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019)

COVID-19 is caused by an infection with SARS‑CoV‑2. The disease may be mild or very severe. Vaccinations and medication help prevent people from developing a severe form.

Dengue fever

Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Effective protection against mosquitoes is important to prevent infection when traveling to regions at risk for dengue fever.

Styes and chalazia (eyelid inflammation)

Styes and chalazia: what is eyelid inflammation and how does it progress? Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment.

Tonsillitis

Acute tonsillitis is accompanied by a sore throat and fever. Recurring tonsillitis in short intervals can be very difficult to endure.

Close-up of a human eye. Fine blood vessels are visible on the lens.

Conjunctivitis

Typical signs of conjunctivitis are eyelids that stick together and an itching and burning sensation in the eyes. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria, but can also have other causes.

Gastritis

Typical symptoms of acute gastritis are stomachache, feeling full, bloating, gas and heartburn. In most cases, gastritis is caused by a bacterial infection or the use of certain pain medication.

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a virus causing small, wart-like papules (spots). It is a viral infection of the skin that mainly affects children.

A mother feels her baby’s forehead and uses a thermometer to check for a high temperature.

Three-day fever

Three-day fever is a childhood illness involving a high temperature followed by a rash. The viral infection is usually harmless.

Sinusitis

Someone who suffers from sinusitis has, for example, a blocked nose and a feeling of pressure in the forehead or jaw.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia typically brings on a sudden high fever, coughing and breathlessness. People without any pre-existing conditions normally recover after a few weeks.

Gloved hand holding a Petri dish in which bacteria cultures are visible. More Petri dishes are standing on the table next to it.

Sepsis

Sepsis, also known as blood poisoning, is an uncontrolled inflammatory reaction of the body to infections. It needs to be treated very quickly in hospital.

Ein nackter Frauenoberbauch mit dem Hautausschlag, der typisch ist für eine Gürtelrose.

Shingles

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful viral skin condition. The viruses attack nerves and cause an inflammation that spreads over the skin.

Scabies

Scabies develops as a result of a mite infestation in the skin. Severe itching is typical. Scabies is contagious with extended skin contact. However, the disease can be well treated.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia are bacteria that cause sexually transmitted diseases and frequently go unnoticed.

HIV and AIDS

The HIV virus infects immune cells and weakens the immune system. The serious illnesses caused by HIV are called AIDS.

Norovirus: blood test test tube with a sticker for a positive norovirus test.

Gastrointestinal infection by noroviruses

Symptoms of an infection with noroviruses are vomiting and diarrhea. An outbreak of this illness must be halted quickly.

Boils and carbuncles

Boils (furuncles), carbuncles, abscesses and pimples are all linked to inflamed skin but differ slightly. Medical treatment is often useful for boils.

Hand in protective glove showing a positive Legionella antigen test.

Legionnaires’ disease

Legionnaires’ disease (legionellosis) is a respiratory disease caused by bacteria. It may or may not be accompanied by pneumonia. The source of infection is contamination of the water supply.

Cytomegalovirus-Infektion: Eine Hand mit einem blauen Schutzhandschuh hält ein Teströhrchen über ein Formular, auf dem ein Häkchen bei Cytomegalovirus IgM gesetzt ist. Auf dem Röhrchen klebt ein Aufkleber mit dem Ergebnis CMV positiv.

Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Cytomegalovirus infections (CMV) can be dangerous for the fetus, premature babies and people with immune deficiency.

Woman with her eyes closed coughing into her hand.

Whooping cough (pertussis)

Whooping cough is a highly infectious communicable disease that is triggered by bacteria. The disease can put severe stress on the body and is lengthy.

Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever bacteria (streptococci) cause an illness in children with symptoms such as a high fever, sore throat, and typical skin rash.

Oral thrush is caused by a fungus, specifically the various types of Candida fungus.

Oral thrush (oral candidiasis)

If a person's mouth constantly feels furry, it may be caused by oral thrush. It is rarely dangerous, but often unpleasant.

Hantavirus disease: mouse sitting in a metal cage.

Hantavirus infections

Hantaviruses cause a flu-like illness with fever. It often also affects the kidneys. Rodents such as rats and mice and their droppings are carriers of the virus.

Erysipel: Ein Mann erhält einen Verband ums Handgelenk.

Erysipelas and cellulitis

Erysipelas and cellulitis are caused by bacteria that break through the skin barrier due to an injury. With prompt treatment, a complete recovery is usually possible.

Chickenpox: boy with some red rashes visible on his face leaning on the shoulder of a man sitting next to the child. The man is holding a thermometer at which he and the boy are looking.

Chickenpox (varicella)

Typical signs of chickenpox are an extremely itchy skin rash with red blisters and a slight fever. This viral infection most frequently affects children between the ages of 2 and 10.

Botulism

Botulism is a type of poisoning caused by botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

Tetanus

Tetanus is a dangerous infectious disease. Even a small wound can be the portal of entry for the pathogen. People can protect themselves from it with vaccination.

Hands of a woman cutting chicken into slices. The meat is on a wooden chopping board.

Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis is an infection caused by bacteria in food. The main symptom is diarrhea. It may be accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

Impetigo

Impetigo (impetigo contagiosa) is an itchy and sometimes painful infection of the skin. It is especially common in young children.

Seborrhoic dermatitis: baby with its eyes closed sitting on a cushion. The skin above its eyebrows is yellowish and flaky. Someone wearing a surgical glove is applying ointment to the inflamed skin.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a non-contagious inflammation of the skin. It causes red patches and oily flakes to form on the skin, especially on the face and scalp.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common illness. It is often the result of a viral infection. Persistent diarrhea must be treated because it can lead to loss of fluids and sodium depletion.

Street scene in South America – people feeding stray dogs.

Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. Anyone visiting a high-risk area can be vaccinated prior to traveling. All suspected cases of rabies must be medically treated.

COVID-19, cold, flu – symptoms at a glance

Find out what is typical for each of these three illnesses, what people can do if they experience symptoms, and the best way to prevent infection.

A middle-aged man clutching his voicebox

Acute laryngitis

Laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx) is usually caused by a viral infection of the upper airways. Hoarseness, sore throat and coughing are typical symptoms. The voice needs rest during laryngitis.

Bubonic plague

Bubonic plague is the most common form of plague. It is spread from rodents such as rats to humans via flea bites. The disease still occurs in certain areas of Africa, Asia and America.

Sample vials with red caps labeled “Ebola” lie on a glass table.

Ebola virus disease

Ebola virus disease is an often fatal viral disease that, to date, has only ever broken out in Africa.

Pneumonic plague

The plague is a highly contagious infectious disease, which can be cured by prompt treatment with antibiotics. It still occurs in rare cases in tropical and sub-tropical regions.

Malaria

Malaria is an infectious disease that is spread by the Anopheles mosquito. A few hundred cases of malaria brought into Germany by travelers are recorded every year.

High temperature in children

High temperatures are common in children and their causes are usually harmless. Only rarely is a high temperature an indication of a serious condition that requires medical treatment.

Anatomical illustration of penis and testicles. The glans is colored orange-red.

Balanitis

If the glans (the head of the penis) becomes red and painful, this may be due to an inflammation. Inflammation of the glans is known as balanitis and is often caused by a yeast infection.

A boy receiving a vaccination in his upper arm.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a bacterial infectious disease, primarily affecting the skin or upper respiratory tract. It only occurs rarely in Germany today thanks to protective vaccinations.

Fungal nail infection

Fungal nail infections are usually caused by an infection with skin fungi. They often affect the big toenails, which become brittle and discolored. Fungal nail infections rarely go on their own.

Chronic wounds

Wounds do not always heal quickly. Many take a long time to heal or keep opening up. They are referred to as chronic open wounds.

An infant with a red spotty rash on their back

Rubella

Rubella is typically mild in children. If a pregnant woman without immunity becomes infected, there can be serious consequences for the child. Vaccination protects against the disease.

Close-up of a drawing up needle in a vaccine solution

Typhoid and paratyphoid

Typhoid is caused by bacteria in contaminated drinking water and food. It is recommended that people get a typhoid vaccine before travel to high-risk areas and take care with food and drink.

A child sitting on its mother’s lap being vaccinated in the upper arm.

Measles

Measles is a viral infection that causes fever and a skin rash. Serious complications can also occur. Vaccination offers protection against infection.

A leg showing a ring-shaped red skin rash (known as erythema migrans).

Lyme disease

Tick bites do not usually cause any complications. But some ticks transfer Lyme disease to humans. Lyme disease is usually treated with antibiotics.

Flu (influenza)

Many people confuse the flu with the common cold. Despite having similar symptoms, these two infections may develop differently. Flu begins suddenly, causing the sufferer to quickly feel very unwell.

A man stroking the head of a dromedary camel.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

MERS is a viral infection of the respiratory tract, which occurs predominantly on the Arabian Peninsula. The virus is mainly transmitted from dromedary camels to humans.

Die nackten Füße zweier liegender Menschen ragen unter einer Bettdecke hervor.

Pubic lice

Pubic lice are transmitted by physical proximity, particularly through sexual contact. Their bites cause bad itching in hirsute parts of the body. Here you can read what can be done about them.

Zika virus infection

Zika virus is mainly found in tropical countries. While it produces a mild infection, it can cause serious birth defects if it occurs during pregnancy.

A doctor examines a brain scan on a monitor.

Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. It can have several causes, the most frequent being viruses.

A nurse sticks a plaster onto a child’s upper arm.

Meningitis

Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges. This can have multiple causes. If triggered by bacteria, meningitis can quickly become life-threatening.

A woman holds a packaged vaginal suppository in her hand.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis often has no symptoms. It sometimes causes a grayish-white discharge with a fishy odor. If symptoms occur, they can be treated successfully.

A person with brownish patches of skin on their back

Pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor)

With pityriasis versicolor, round or oval patches develop on the skin, in particular on the neck, back, arms and chest. The rash is usually harmless and easily treated.

Person sprays himself with mosquito repellent.

West Nile fever

West Nile fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes. It primarily occurs in warmer countries, but now also in Germany.

A young man sprays insect repellent on his forearm.

Yellow fever

Yellow fever is a tropical disease caused by a virus that occurs in Africa and South America. It is transmitted by mosquitoes. Travelers can protect themselves by getting a vaccine.

Swine flu

Flu is a common respiratory infection in pigs, caused by influenza viruses that occur primarily in these animals. In rare cases, people can become infected and ill as a result.

Endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart)

Endocarditis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart. Early treatment is important to avoid complications.

A doctor examines a patient’s ear with an otoscope

Inflammation of the eardrum

An acute inflammation of the eardrum (myringitis) is caused by viruses and bacteria. Earache is a common symptom. A chronic inflammation often causes no pain.

Listeriosis

Listeriosis is a bacterial infection caused by consuming contaminated food. Most cases are mild. However, some people may become seriously ill and can even die from listeriosis.

EHEC infections

Most infections with the EHEC bacteria come from contaminated food or traces of animal feces. EHEC can cause watery and bloody diarrhea and in some cases acute kidney failure.

Rheumatic heart disease

Auslöser der rheumatischen Herzkrankheit sind Streptokokken. Diese Bakterien verursachen akute Atemwegsinfektionen. In response, the immune system creates antibodies that may also attack and damage the heart.

Laboratory work: A person in protective clothing and gloves with a pipette and sample test tube

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

SARS is an infectious disease of the lungs, which is caused by the SARS-CoV coronavirus. The virus first appeared at the end of 2002 and spread to more than 30 countries until the middle of 2003.

Bird flu (avian influenza)

Bird flu (avian influenza) primarily affects birds but can also be transmitted to humans through close contact with infected birds. Infection is rare but often has severe symptoms.

A woman is having her heart listened to.

Acute myocarditis

Acute myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) can be a rare consequence of an infection. There are mild but also life-threatening forms.

A patient in medical clothing lies on an intensive care bed clutching his stomach.

Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection

Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile bacteria can cause intestinal inflammation and diarrhea. The condition is usually triggered by taking antibiotics.

Appendicitis: man standing in his living room holding his belly. He looks tense and appears to be in pain.

Acute appendicitis

Acute appendicitis is accompanied by severe abdominal pain and usually requires surgery. A possible complication is a ruptured appendix, which can be life-threatening.

A doctor points a pen at an anatomical model of the bladder and prostate.

Prostatitis and pelvic pain syndrome

Inflammation of the prostate can have a range of causes. In some cases, it is triggered by bacteria. Typical symptoms include pain and difficulties urinating.

A doctor examines the lymph nodes in a young patient’s neck.

Glandular fever

Glandular fever is an infectious disease that is triggered by certain herpes viruses. It is usually transmitted in saliva. Hygiene measures are essential to prevention.

Inflammation of the epiglottis (epiglottitis)

Inflammation of the epiglottis is usually caused by bacteria. Immediate treatment is required, as it can cause acute shortness of breath.

A doctor uses a magnifying glass to examine a rash on an elderly patient’s back.

Ringworm

The skin rash that typically occurs with ringworm (tinea corporis) has a ring-like appearance. It usually clears up quickly if treated with an anti-fungal skin cream.

A child is being vaccinated with an injection into the upper arm.

Polio (poliomyelitis)

Polio (poliomyelitis) can cause permanent paralysis. Polio viruses have been almost eradicated thanks to large-scale vaccination campaigns. Unvaccinated children and adults can contract polio.

Duodenal ulcer

An ulcer in the duodenum usually occurs as a result of regular use of certain pain medication or infection with specific bacteria. These ulcers are normally easy to treat.

Gastric ulcer

A gastric ulcer usually occurs as a result of an infection with certain bacteria or due to long-term use of certain drugs for pain relief. Gastric ulcers are normally easy to treat.

Treatment room – a doctor looking into a girl’s mouth

Bacterial throat infection (pharyngitis)

A throat infection (pharyngitis) is usually caused by viruses. However, it can also be caused by bacteria, such as Streptococcus bacteria. This is known as streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat).

A child in underwear clutching at their bottom. A toilet in the background.

Pinworms (enterobiasis)

Pinworm infection is one of the most common human worm conditions. It is usually harmless, and it typically becomes apparent due to itching around the anus.

Side view of a child's face: a large area of red rash is visible on the cheek.

Fifth disease

Fifth disease is one of the most common viral illnesses in children. Most adults are immune to it. Pregnant women who do not have immunity can pass the virus on to their unborn child.

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI). It is triggered by herpes simplex viruses. The risk of becoming infected can be reduced through certain measures.

Herpes labialis: young woman with cold sores on her upper lip.

Oral herpes (cold sores)

With oral herpes, particular herpes viruses cause painful blisters known as cold sores to form. The condition heals on its own in 1 to 2 weeks. No treatment is normally required.

Man with bare chest extending his right arm to the right. He is gripping his armpit with his left hand.

Intertrigo

Intertrigo is a rash that appears in the skin folds as a result of moisture and chafing. In many cases, the affected areas also become infected with yeast fungi.

Mumps

Mumps is a viral infection that affects not only children. Learn more about this contagious infection and how to prevent contraction.

Anthrax

Anthrax is a rare disease. It is transmitted to humans by animals. Certain occupational groups are at high risk of contracting the disease. Read more about symptoms, causes, and treatment.

Campylobacter infection

Campylobacter infection is an infectious disease with a high temperature and diarrhea. It is generally caused by eating contaminated food of animal origin.

Pregnant woman holding a black cat on her arm

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. A third of all people are carriers, but only around 5% of them show symptoms of the disease.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a globally prevalent contagious disease that infects people through sexual intercourse in particular. Learn more about symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection with the Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus) bacterium which is found worldwide. Find out more about symptoms, prevention, and therapy.

Leprosy

Leprosy is a bacterial infectious disease that primarily occurs in South East Asia, South America, and Africa. Though leprosy is curable, there are still serious outcomes.

Tuberkulose: Eine Röntgenaufnahme des Brustkorbs. Eine rot-schwarze Verfärbung im linken Lungenflügel weist auf eine Tuberkuloseinfektion hin.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infectious disease most commonly affecting the lungs. It is relatively rare in Germany.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver transmitted through blood and, over time, can lead to severe liver damage. But these days this can almost always be avoided with medication.

Common cold

The first signs of a common colds are often sneezing and a sore throat. If rhinitis has fully kicked in, many people feel weak and ill.

False croup

False croup is a condition in the airways. It usually occurs in small children. Typical symptoms include a barking cough, a rasping sound when breathing in, and a slight shortness of breath.

Woman sitting in a treatment room. A doctor is sitting opposite her looking at her laptop.

Vaginal yeast infection

Fungal infections of the vagina occur frequently in women of childbearing age. They often require only brief treatment with vaginal suppositories or creams.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is an infectious disease often brought back from traveling. The main symptom is liver inflammation. Find out more about symptoms, treatment, and vaccine protection.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver transmitted during unprotected sex, for example. Find out how the infection goes on to develop, what complications it has and who should be vaccinated.

Hand, foot and mouth disease: blister-type wounds on a child’s hands.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)

Hand, foot and mouth disease is an infectious disease that occurs sporadically worldwide. It most often affects infants and young children and is usually harmless.