Pathology · single question

H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) is associated with which gastrointestinal condition?

Peptic ulcer disease (gastric and duodenal ulcers — H. pylori causes 70-90% of duodenal ulcers)
Crohn's disease
Ulcerative colitis
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

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Correct answer: A. Peptic ulcer disease (gastric and duodenal ulcers — H. pylori causes 70-90% of duodenal ulcers)

A. Correct. H. pylori is a gram-negative spiral bacterium that colonizes the gastric mucosa. It causes peptic ulcer disease by: (1) producing urease → breaks down urea → ammonia → damages mucosal barrier, (2) producing proteases and phospholipases that degrade mucus, (3) triggering inflammation. H. pylori causes ~70-90% of duodenal ulcers and ~60-70% of gastric ulcers. Treatment: triple therapy (PPI + clarithromycin + amoxicillin).
B. Crohn's disease is an autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease — not caused by H. pylori.
C. Ulcerative colitis is another IBD — not caused by H. pylori.
D. IBS is a functional GI disorder without organic pathology — not H. pylori related.

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