From a gastric ulcer biopsy, which organism is likely if curved, gram-negative bacilli that test positive for urease are cultured?

From a gastric ulcer biopsy, which organism is likely if curved, gram-negative bacilli that test positive for urease are cultured?

• A. E. coli
• B. Helicobacter pylori
• C. Enterococcus faecalis
• D. Streptococcus bovis

Answer: (B)

The organism likely responsible for a gastric ulcer, as indicated by the presence of curved, gram-negative bacilli that test positive for urease, is Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is uniquely adapted to survive in the harsh acidic environment of the stomach. Its production of urease allows it to convert urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, which helps to neutralize gastric acid, thus facilitating its colonization of the gastric mucosa. Helicobacter pylori is well-established as a causative agent of gastric ulcers, as it can cause chronic inflammation (chronic gastritis) and is associated with the development of peptic ulcers and even gastric cancer. The combination of its morphological characteristics (curved, gram-negative bacilli) and biochemical activity (urease production) makes it a key diagnostic indicator in cases of gastric pathology. Other organisms listed do not share these characteristics or associations with gastric ulcers, making Helicobacter pylori the definitive choice.

The organism likely responsible for a gastric ulcer, as indicated by the presence of curved, gram-negative bacilli that test positive for urease, is Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium is uniquely adapted to survive in the harsh acidic environment of the stomach. Its production of urease allows it to convert urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, which helps to neutralize gastric acid, thus facilitating its colonization of the gastric mucosa.

Helicobacter pylori is well-established as a causative agent of gastric ulcers, as it can cause chronic inflammation (chronic gastritis) and is associated with the development of peptic ulcers and even gastric cancer. The combination of its morphological characteristics (curved, gram-negative bacilli) and biochemical activity (urease production) makes it a key diagnostic indicator in cases of gastric pathology. Other organisms listed do not share these characteristics or associations with gastric ulcers, making Helicobacter pylori the definitive choice.