In which condition is peptic ulcer disease commonly caused by an infection with Helicobacter pylori?

Peptic ulcer disease is often associated with an infection due to Helicobacter pylori, a gram-negative bacterium. This infection can lead to inflammation of the stomach lining (chronic gastritis) and is a significant risk factor for the development of both gastric and duodenal ulcers. Approximately 70-90% of individuals with duodenal ulcers and around 30-50% with gastric ulcers have evidence of H. pylori infection.

H. pylori disrupts the protective mucosal layer of the stomach and duodenum, leading to increased gastric acid secretion and resulting in ulcer formation. Treatment of peptic ulcer disease typically includes a combination of antibiotics to eradicate the infection and acid-reducing medications to promote healing of the ulcers.

Other conditions like cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease are unrelated to H. pylori infections in terms of causation. Cholecystitis is primarily associated with gallstones, pancreatitis is linked to factors such as alcohol use and gallstones, and gastroesophageal reflux disease is generally related to lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction rather than peptic ulcers caused by H. pylori. Thus, the relationship between H. pylori infection and peptic