Rickettsioses
ICD-10 A79 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rickettsioses.
Rickettsioses are a group of infectious diseases caused by bacteria of the genus Rickettsia, which are obligate intracellular pathogens. These diseases are primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected arthropods, such as ticks, fleas, and lice. Common rickettsial diseases include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus fever, and Mediterranean spotted fever. Symptoms typically manifest 1-2 weeks after exposure and can include fever, headache, rash, and myalgia. The severity of the disease can vary significantly, with some forms leading to serious complications if not treated promptly. Diagnosis is often based on clinical presentation and serological tests, as well as a history of potential exposure to vectors. Treatment usually involves the use of antibiotics, with doxycycline being the first-line therapy. Given the vector-borne nature of these infections, rickettsioses are often associated with specific geographic regions and can be a concern for travelers to endemic areas. Awareness of these diseases is crucial for timely diagnosis and management, especially in patients presenting with febrile illness after potential exposure to vectors.
Detailed patient history, including travel and exposure history, lab results, and clinical findings.
Patients presenting with fever and rash after travel to endemic areas.
Consideration of differential diagnoses and potential co-infections.
Comprehensive patient history and physical examination findings.
Patients with unexplained febrile illness and potential exposure to vectors.
Awareness of local epidemiology of rickettsial diseases.
Used when testing for rickettsial infections in patients with suspected exposure.
Document the clinical rationale for testing and any relevant symptoms.
Infectious disease specialists may order this test more frequently.
Common symptoms include fever, headache, rash, and myalgia, often appearing 1-2 weeks after exposure to infected vectors.
Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation, travel history, and serological tests or PCR for Rickettsia species.
Doxycycline is the first-line antibiotic treatment for rickettsial infections.
Preventive measures include avoiding tick bites, using insect repellent, and wearing protective clothing in endemic areas.
