In 1981, the following information came to the attention of Barry Marshall, a ga
ID: 66973 • Letter: I
Question
In 1981, the following information came to the attention of Barry Marshall, a gastroenterologist at the Royal Perth Hospital in Australia. Household members of ulcer patients do not develop antibiodies against Heliobacter. However, clinical staff involved in obtaining biopsy samples from ulcer patients develop antibodies against Heliobacter. If acid-suppressive therapy is combined with antibiotics, ulcers usually do not recur. Marshall concluded that ulcers are an infectious disease.
Questions:
1. What caused Marshall to reach his conclusions?
2. What additional proof would be needed?
Explanation / Answer
Since the clinical staffs who have been handling the biopdy samples develop antibodies means that the microbes causing the ulcer are transferred while mishandling which inferred that the disease that it is infectious. Additional proof is required like applying techniques to investigate helicobacter specific antibodies which further certifies the fact.