Staphylococcus Aureus (S Aureus or ‘Staph’) and Streptococcus Pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus or GAS).

S aureus and GAS are part of the body’s natural bacterial flora. Most of the time these bacteria do not cause any problems, however infection occurs when these bacteria enter the body via a wound (including injecting sites).

Wound botulism is life-threatening and is one of the infections to which people who inject drugs are at risk.

For postcards on these infections please see the SDF website.