Other ehrlichiosis
ICD-10 A77.49 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other ehrlichiosis.
Other ehrlichiosis refers to infections caused by various species of the genus Ehrlichia, which are obligate intracellular bacteria transmitted primarily by ticks. These infections can lead to a range of clinical manifestations, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe illness. The most common species associated with human disease include Ehrlichia chaffeensis, which causes human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME), and Ehrlichia ewingii, which is associated with human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE). Symptoms typically include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, often appearing within 1-2 weeks after a tick bite. Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical presentation and serological testing, as well as PCR assays for detecting Ehrlichia DNA. Treatment usually involves the use of doxycycline, which is effective against these infections. Given the vector-borne nature of ehrlichiosis, awareness of travel-related risks, especially in endemic areas, is crucial for prevention and early diagnosis.
Detailed clinical notes including symptoms, travel history, and laboratory results.
Patients presenting with fever and recent tick exposure.
Ensure all relevant lab tests are documented to support the diagnosis.
Thorough history and physical examination notes, including tick exposure and symptom onset.
Patients with flu-like symptoms after outdoor activities in endemic areas.
Documenting patient education on tick prevention and awareness.
Used when PCR testing is performed to confirm ehrlichiosis.
Document the reason for the test and the clinical findings leading to the suspicion of ehrlichiosis.
Infectious disease specialists should ensure comprehensive documentation of test results.
Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, which typically appear 1-2 weeks after a tick bite.
Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation, travel history, and laboratory tests such as serology and PCR.
