2025 ICD-10-CM code A77.41
(Valid) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Certain infectious and parasitic diseases - Ehrlichiosis 1 Feed
Ehrlichiosis chafeensis, caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia chafeensis and transmitted through Lone Star tick bites.
Medical necessity for treatment of ehrlichiosis is established by the confirmation of infection with Ehrlichia chafeensis through laboratory testing and the presence of characteristic symptoms. The severity of the illness and the potential for serious complications further justify the need for medical intervention, including antibiotic therapy and supportive care.
Diagnosis involves evaluating the patient's symptoms, medical history, and conducting laboratory tests such as complete blood count (CBC), blood and urine tests, liver function tests, and immunofluorescence assay for Ehrlichia antibodies. PCR testing may also be performed. Treatment typically includes antibiotics like doxycycline, with rifampin as an alternative for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
In simple words: Ehrlichiosis chafeensis is a serious infection spread by Lone Star tick bites. It can cause fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and other flu-like symptoms. In severe cases, it can lead to organ damage and other serious complications.
Ehrlichiosis chafeensis, also known as human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME), is a tick-borne bacterial illness. It's characterized by the infection of monocytes (a type of white blood cell) with Ehrlichia chafeensis, primarily transmitted by the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum). This condition is most prevalent in the southeastern and south-central United States.Symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, weakness, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, enlarged spleen, and mental confusion. Severe complications can involve kidney and respiratory failure, inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), brain inflammation (encephalopathy), blood clotting problems, and even coma.
Example 1: A patient presents with fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches after a recent camping trip in the southeastern United States. A blood test confirms infection with Ehrlichia chafeensis., An individual develops severe fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, along with an enlarged spleen. After ruling out other potential causes, the physician suspects ehrlichiosis and orders specific laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis., A patient with a history of tick bites experiences confusion and neurological symptoms. Diagnostic testing reveals ehrlichiosis, prompting immediate treatment to prevent further complications like encephalitis.
Documentation should include details of the patient's symptoms, onset, and duration, along with any history of tick bites or exposure to tick-infested areas. Results of laboratory tests confirming the presence of Ehrlichia chafeensis, including CBC, liver function tests, and antibody or PCR tests, should also be documented. Treatment details, including the specific antibiotic prescribed and the patient's response to therapy, are crucial.
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- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine
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