Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Bacteriaphobia
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
Bacteriaphobia: An abnormal and persistent fear of germs. Sufferers from bacteriaphobia experience undue anxiety even though they realize that most germs are not pathogens (disease-causing germs). To avoid germs, they may repeat cleaning rituals, such as washing their hands or face.
"Bacteriaphobia" is derived from the Greek "bacterion" (staff) and "phobos" (fear). The Greek word for "staff" was chosen because some bacteria (bacilli) are rod-shaped, like a staff.
Alternate spelling: Bacteriophobia. Alternate name: Bacillophobia. Also referred to as germaphobia, germaphobe, or germophobe.