BRENDAN Fevola has developed the blood infection golden staph after being taken to hospital with a suspected spider bite.

The former footballer confirmed yesterday he had contracted the bacteria, which can often be resistant to antibiotics and is related to surgical procedures and wounds.

"I got a spider bite that got infected. Just got the blood results back and I have staph, not good," Fevola tweeted.

Staphylococcus aureus, or golden staph, is a common bacteria that lives on the skin or in the nose, but which can be potentially life-threatening if it enters the bloodstream of vulnerable patients.

The fallen Brisbane Lions star, overlooked in the national draft after a year in AFL exile, seemed in good spirits as he took to Twitter to compliment the hospital food on Friday, joking that he would make his stay permanent.

"Great hospital feed tonight dinner was amazing," he said.

The incident follows Fevola's New Year's holiday in Fiji with Alex and their three children, which fuelled speculation the pair are back together.