Apart from hyper acid secretion, peptic ulcers are also developed due to bacterial infection. The causative agent is __________.

Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the duodenum. While hyper-acid secretion and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known contributors, the primary bacterial causative agent is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This spiral-shaped, gram-negative bacterium is adapted to survive the harsh, acidic environment of the stomach [3]. It damages the protective mucus lining, allowing stomach acid to reach and burn the underlying tissue. H. pylori infection is extremely common, affecting more than half of the global population, and is a leading cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and even gastric cancer [1]. In contrast, E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium are typically associated with gastroenteritis and foodborne illnesses rather than peptic ulcers.

Sources

1. [3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12337490/
2. [1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11230059/