Which organism is associated with causing stomach ulcers?

Which organism is associated with causing stomach ulcers?

• A. Escherichia coli
• B. Helicobacter pylori
• C. Campylobacter jejuni
• D. Salmonella enterica

Answer: (B)

Stomach ulcers arise when the protective lining of the stomach is damaged by ongoing irritation and inflammation. Helicobacter pylori stands out because it can survive the highly acidic stomach environment and actively weaken the mucosal barrier. It does this in part by producing urease, which converts urea to ammonia, locally neutralizing acid and allowing the bacterium to colonize the stomach lining. This persistent infection triggers chronic gastritis and, over time, can lead to ulcers in the stomach or the upper small intestine. The importance of this organism is underscored by the fact that many peptic ulcers are treated successfully with antibiotics combined with acid suppression. In contrast, the other organisms listed are more commonly linked to overall gastrointestinal infections or foodborne illness rather than stomach ulcers: they do not typically cause the chronic mucosal damage in the stomach that leads to ulcers.

Stomach ulcers arise when the protective lining of the stomach is damaged by ongoing irritation and inflammation. Helicobacter pylori stands out because it can survive the highly acidic stomach environment and actively weaken the mucosal barrier. It does this in part by producing urease, which converts urea to ammonia, locally neutralizing acid and allowing the bacterium to colonize the stomach lining. This persistent infection triggers chronic gastritis and, over time, can lead to ulcers in the stomach or the upper small intestine. The importance of this organism is underscored by the fact that many peptic ulcers are treated successfully with antibiotics combined with acid suppression. In contrast, the other organisms listed are more commonly linked to overall gastrointestinal infections or foodborne illness rather than stomach ulcers: they do not typically cause the chronic mucosal damage in the stomach that leads to ulcers.