Rickettsiosis due to Ehrlichia sennetsu
ICD-10 A79.81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rickettsiosis due to ehrlichia sennetsu.
Rickettsiosis due to Ehrlichia sennetsu is a rare infectious disease caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia sennetsu, which is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected ticks. This condition is characterized by a range of symptoms that may include fever, headache, malaise, and myalgia. In some cases, patients may also experience rash, lymphadenopathy, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The disease is particularly noted in certain geographic regions, especially in Southeast Asia, where the vector ticks are prevalent. Diagnosis is often challenging due to the nonspecific nature of the symptoms and the need for serological testing or PCR to confirm the presence of the pathogen. Treatment typically involves the use of tetracycline antibiotics, which are effective against the bacteria. Given the potential for severe complications, including multi-organ failure, timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Awareness of travel-related risks and vector-borne transmission is essential for prevention, especially for individuals traveling to endemic areas.
Detailed travel history, laboratory test results, and symptomatology.
Patients presenting with fever and rash after travel to endemic areas.
Ensure all relevant diagnostic tests are documented to support the use of A79.81.
Comprehensive patient history including exposure risks and symptom timeline.
Patients with unexplained febrile illness returning from travel.
Consider differential diagnoses and document any relevant travel history.
Used when laboratory confirmation of Ehrlichia sennetsu is required.
Document the reason for testing and results.
Infectious disease specialists should ensure accurate coding based on test results.
Common symptoms include fever, headache, malaise, myalgia, and in some cases, rash and lymphadenopathy.
