2025 ICD-10-CM code B56

African trypanosomiasis.

Use additional code to identify resistance to antimicrobial drugs (Z16.-). Do not use B56 with certain localized infections (see body system chapters), carrier status (Z22.-), or trypanosomiasis complicating pregnancy (O98.-) or specific to the perinatal period (P35-P39).

Medical necessity is established by the presence of signs and symptoms consistent with African trypanosomiasis, confirmed by laboratory diagnosis. Treatment is necessary to prevent progression to the neurological stage and potential fatality.

Diagnosis involves evaluating patient history, physical examination, and laboratory tests (complete blood count, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, blood and tissue cultures). Treatment includes medications like pentamidine, suramin, nifurtimox, and melarsoprol.

In simple words: Sleeping sickness is a serious illness spread by tsetse flies in Africa. It causes fever, headaches, weakness, and confusion. If not treated, it can lead to death.

African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease transmitted by the tsetse fly.It is characterized by two stages: the hemolymphatic stage (fever, headaches, joint pains, itching, weakness) and the neurological stage (central nervous system involvement, sleep disturbances, confusion). If left untreated, it can be fatal.

Example 1: A traveler returning from sub-Saharan Africa presents with fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes.Microscopic examination of blood confirms the presence of Trypanosoma brucei., A patient in rural West Africa experiences chronic fatigue, intermittent fevers, and weight loss.Further testing reveals infection with Trypanosoma brucei gambiense., A patient in East Africa develops rapid onset neurological symptoms, including confusion and sleep disturbances, after a recent tsetse fly bite.Diagnosis of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense is confirmed through lumbar puncture.

Documentation should include travel history, symptoms, physical exam findings (including lymph node examination), and laboratory results confirming the presence of Trypanosoma brucei. Details of treatment administered should also be documented.

  • Specialties:Infectious Disease, Tropical Medicine, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Travel Medicine
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office, Independent Clinic, Public Health Clinic
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