Final answer:
Infectious diseases that cause long-term ulcers primarily involve Helicobacter pylori, leading to peptic ulcers, and hepatitis B virus infections. Ulcerative colitis can also result in chronic ulcers. These conditions can be managed with antibiotics and other medical treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Infectious diseases that cause long-term ulcers include those associated with the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. H. pylori infections are a major cause of peptic ulcers, which are sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. The gram-negative bacterium can survive the stomach's acidic environment by producing urease, allowing it to persist and lead to chronic gastritis and ulcers. If untreated with the appropriate antibiotics, these infections can recur. Additionally, hepatitis B virus can lead to chronic infections and ulcerative colitis can cause long-term ulcers in the colon and rectum.
Patients may also develop peptic ulcers due to chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, lifestyle factors like diet, spicy foods, and stress, previously thought to cause peptic ulcers, have been largely discounted in favor of bacterial origins. Peptic ulcers require medical treatment, including antibiotics to eliminate H. pylori and acid reducers to aid in healing.