progressive bacterial synergistic gangrene

Me·le·ney ul·cer

(mĕ-lē'nē), undermining ulcer of the skin and subcutaneous tissues caused by a synergistic infection by microaerophilic nonhemolytic streptococci and aerobic hemolytic staphylococci; may also include various other aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Synonym(s): Meleney gangrene, progressive bacterial synergistic gangrene

progressive bacterial synergistic gangrene

A mixed bacterial (microaerophilic streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus or Enterobacteriaceae) infection that appears at surgical margins, most commonly after abdominal and thoracic procedures, beginning days to weeks after surgery. While it is severely painful, there is remarkably little systemic toxicity.

Meleney,

Frank L., U.S. surgeon, 1889-1963. Meleney gangrene - Synonym(s): Meleney ulcerMeleney infectionMeleney ulcer - undermining ulcer of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, usually following an operation. Synonym(s): Meleney gangrene; progressive bacterial synergistic gangrene