Question

Which statement about the relationship between peptic ulcers and the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is correct?

a) H. pylori causes peptic ulcers in all cases
b) H. pylori infection is not associated with peptic ulcers
c) H. pylori infection is a common cause of peptic ulcers
d) Peptic ulcers are not related to bacterial infections

Answer 1

The correct answer is c) H. pylori infection is a common cause of peptic ulcers, as this bacterium is a major cause of ulcers in the stomach and duodenum.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement about the relationship between peptic ulcers and the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is: c) H. pylori infection is a common cause of peptic ulcers.

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium that can inhabit the acidic environment of the human stomach and is found in about 80% of stomach ulcers and over 90% of duodenal ulcers. It has been identified as a major cause of these ulcers and is one of the most researched connections between a chronic bacterial infection and gastrointestinal disease. While there are other factors that may contribute to the development of peptic ulcers, such as the chronic use of NSAIDs, tobacco smoking, and stress, the bacterium H. pylori stands out as a common cause.