2025 ICD-10-CM code A26.7
(Valid) Effective Date: N/A Infectious Diseases - Certain zoonotic bacterial diseases Certain infectious and parasitic diseases Feed
Sepsis caused by the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.
Medical necessity for treatment of Erysipelothrix sepsis stems from the potentially life-threatening nature of the condition.If left untreated, it can lead to organ damage, septic shock, and death. Prompt diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications.
Physicians diagnosing and managing sepsis, particularly infectious disease specialists, are clinically responsible for patients with Erysipelothrix sepsis. This includes evaluating symptoms, conducting laboratory tests to identify the bacteria, prescribing appropriate antibiotic treatment, and monitoring the patient's response to therapy.
In simple words: Erysipelothrix sepsis is a serious blood infection caused by bacteria typically found in animals like pigs and fish. People can get infected through cuts or wounds exposed to contaminated animal products. While it often starts as a skin infection, it can spread throughout the body, leading to symptoms like fever, chills, and joint pain. If left untreated, it can cause organ damage and even death.Treatment usually involves antibiotics like penicillin.
Erysipelothrix sepsis is a systemic infection resulting from the spread of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacteria in the bloodstream. This bacterium is commonly found in animals like pigs, fish, and shellfish, and humans can become infected through contact with these animals or contaminated materials. The infection initially manifests as erysipeloid, a localized skin inflammation, but can progress to sepsis, affecting multiple organ systems. Symptoms of Erysipelothrix sepsis can include fever, chills, joint pain, skin lesions, and in severe cases, organ failure and death.
Example 1: A butcher develops a skin lesion on their hand after handling raw meat. The lesion becomes inflamed, and they develop fever and chills. Blood cultures confirm Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, indicating Erysipelothrix sepsis., A fisherman experiences fever, joint pain, and skin rashes after cleaning fish.A skin biopsy culture reveals Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, diagnosing Erysipelothrix sepsis. , A veterinarian who regularly works with pigs develops fever and fatigue.After ruling out other causes, a blood test confirms Erysipelothrix sepsis.
Documentation for Erysipelothrix sepsis should include details of the infection source (e.g., animal contact, occupational exposure), the initial presentation (e.g., skin lesions), systemic symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, joint pain), laboratory findings (e.g., positive blood culture for Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae), and the treatment provided (e.g., antibiotics).
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office, Emergency Room - Hospital