What type of infection occurs due to superinfection of a gangrene limb with a non-gas forming organism?

Wet gangrene occurs when a limb that has undergone tissue death is further infected by organisms that thrive in a moist environment. This type of infection is characterized by the presence of a bacterial superinfection in the necrotic (dead) tissue, which is often associated with the presence of moisture or fluid. The typical microorganisms involved in wet gangrene can include those that do not produce gas, differentiating this from gas gangrene, which is specifically caused by gas-forming organisms such as Clostridium species.

In contrast to dry gangrene, which results from slow loss of blood supply leading to a dry necrotic tissue with minimal infection risk, wet gangrene is often associated with a more rapid onset and progression due to the additional infection. This causes the affected area to become swollen, discolored, and emit a foul odor, due to the presence of bacteria and dead tissue. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the mechanisms and progressions of different types of gangrene.