Final answer:
The absorption rate of plain gut sutures is increased in the presence of infection due to heightened immune response and enzyme activity that degrades collagen.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gut sutures are made of collagen derived from the intestines of sheep or cows. These materials are designed to be absorbable, allowing them to dissolve naturally in the body over time. When an infection is present, the body's immune response is activated, which includes an increase in the activity of inflammatory cells and enzymes such as collagenases.
These enzymes break down collagen, which in turn can accelerate the absorption of the plain gut suture. As a result, an infection can lead to a situation where the suture material is absorbed more quickly than would normally be expected in a non-infected site. This can affect the strength and integrity of the sutured wound, potentially complicating the healing process.