Which of the following is the organism that causes peptic ulcer disease?

GMCH Chandigarh - 2022

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: GMCH Chandigarh - 2022

Explanation

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium strongly associated with the development of peptic ulcer disease.
It is estimated to be present in about 90% of patients with duodenal ulcers and 70% of those with gastric ulcers.
The bacterium produces an enzyme called urease, which generates ammonia from urea. This ammonia neutralizes the surrounding stomach acid, allowing the bacteria to survive and damage the protective mucosal lining, which ultimately leads to ulcer formation.
Eradication of H. pylori infection is a key goal in treatment and significantly reduces the rate of ulcer recurrence.

Option A: Staphylococcus species are primarily known for causing skin and soft tissue infections, food poisoning, and toxic shock syndrome, not peptic ulcers.
Option B: The most significant pathogen in this genus is Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which causes diphtheria, a respiratory disease characterized by a pseudomembrane in the throat.
Option D: Streptococcus species are responsible for a variety of infections, most notably streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), pneumonia, and skin infections like erysipelas.

Visual 1: Diagram: An illustration of the stomach's layers, showing H. pylori bacteria burrowing into the mucous layer, triggering an inflammatory response, and leading to the erosion of the gastric wall to form an ulcer.
Visual 2: Flowchart: A visual representation of the pathophysiology of H. pylori infection, starting from bacterial colonization, leading to urease production, ammonia formation, mucosal damage, and finally, peptic ulceration.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Etiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses play a crucial role in patient education regarding medication adherence. The multi-drug regimen for H. pylori must be completed to ensure full eradication and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.
A key nursing responsibility is to monitor patients with PUD for signs of serious complications, such as gastrointestinal bleeding (melena, hematemesis, dizziness) or perforation (sudden, severe abdominal pain, rigid abdomen).
What if? If a patient has a documented penicillin allergy, the standard triple therapy containing amoxicillin is contraindicated. The nurse should anticipate a revised prescription, typically substituting metronidazole for amoxicillin, and ensure the patient understands the new regimen.

How to Approach the Question

This is a direct recall question that tests your knowledge of microbiology and gastrointestinal pathology.
First, identify the key concepts in the question stem: 'organism' and 'peptic ulcer disease'.
Next, evaluate each of the options provided, which are all bacterial genera.
Recall the primary diseases associated with each bacterium. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are common pathogens but are associated with skin, respiratory, and systemic infections.
Remember that Helicobacter pylori is uniquely adapted to survive in the stomach and is the most common cause of peptic ulcers.
Select the option that correctly links the pathogen to the disease.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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