A spokesperson for Australian swimming great Ian Thorpe has denied he is being treated in intensive care.

The five-time Olympic champion picked up an infection following shoulder surgery.

It is being treated with antibiotics, but the swimmer is said to be in "good health".

Reports from Australia early today had said Thorpe had been moved to intensive care in Sydney and that the infection could result in him losing the use of his left arm.

But this has since been denied.

The five-time Olympic champion, known as The Thorpedo, reportedly picked up the bug following surgery on a shoulder injury at a hospital in Switzerland.

Thorpe won three golds and two silver medals at the Sydney Olympics of 2000.