Duodenal ulcers like mayor's likely due to bacteria, not stress

The type of ulcer for which Philadelphia Mayor Bob O'Connor has been diagnosed is likely caused by bacteria, not stress, according to doctors.

O'Connor, 61, has been diagnosed with a doudenal ulcer and a virus, according to spokesman Dick Skrinjar. O'Connor was admitted to the hospital after complaining of flu-like symptoms.

Doudenal ulcers are sores occurring in the lining of the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine, and are caused by acids eating away at the lining.

Normally, the gastrointestinal system protects itself against acid imbalance, but bacteria can cause an infection that interferes with acid regulation, said Dr. Matthew Ciorba, a gastroenterologist at Washington University in St. Louis.

•	Duodenal ulcers like mayor's likely due to bacteria, not stress Associated Press State & Local Wire, Saturday, July 8, 2006 Byline: Dan Nephin, Associated Press Writer

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