2025 ICD-10-CM code A36.86
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Infectious and parasitic diseases - Other bacterial diseases Certain infectious and parasitic diseases Feed
Diphtheritic conjunctivitis.
Medical necessity for the diagnosis and treatment of diphtheritic conjunctivitis stems from the potential severity of the infection and its potential to spread to other parts of the body, causing serious complications. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, including antitoxin and antibiotics, are crucial to prevent vision-threatening sequelae and systemic diphtheria.
Diagnosis of diphtheritic conjunctivitis involves evaluating the patient's symptoms (swollen eyelids, excessive tearing, redness, and eye pain), exposure history, and a physical examination. Laboratory tests of conjunctival secretions can confirm the presence of the bacteria. Treatment includes diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics, often requiring patient isolation for about 48 hours after starting antibiotics. Patient education on prevention through diphtheria vaccines (DTaP, Tdap, DT, and Td) is also crucial.
In simple words: Diphtheritic conjunctivitis is an eye infection caused by the same bacteria that causes diphtheria. It affects the lining of the eyelids and the white of the eye.It's usually spread through contact with droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze.
Diphtheritic conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva (the membrane lining the eyelids and covering the eyeball) caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae.This bacterium is typically spread through direct contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person, such as during coughing or sneezing.
Example 1: A child presents with red, swollen eyes, excessive tearing, and pain.They have a recent history of a sore throat.A culture of the eye discharge reveals Corynebacterium diphtheriae, confirming the diagnosis of diphtheritic conjunctivitis., An adult with a known exposure to diphtheria develops conjunctivitis. While the symptoms are mild, testing confirms the presence of Corynebacterium diphtheriae in the eye, requiring prompt treatment to prevent further complications., An unvaccinated individual traveling abroad develops severe conjunctivitis with swollen eyelids and profuse discharge.Laboratory analysis identifies Corynebacterium diphtheriae, leading to the diagnosis of diphtheritic conjunctivitis and the initiation of antitoxin and antibiotic therapy.
Documentation should include details of the patient's symptoms (eye redness, swelling, discharge, pain), exposure history (contact with individuals with diphtheria or travel to endemic areas), physical exam findings, and laboratory results confirming the presence of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Additionally, documentation should reflect the administered treatment (antitoxin, antibiotics), any isolation procedures, and patient education regarding vaccination.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Ophthalmology
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital