Shigellosis due to Shigella dysenteriae

This code identifies an acute bacterial infection of the intestines caused specifically by the bacterium Shigella dysenteriae. Patients typically present with severe diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and tenesmus, often with bloody or mucoid stools. The infection can range from mild to severe, potentially leading to complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Use this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of shigellosis and specifies Shigella dysenteriae as the causative agent. This often follows laboratory confirmation via stool culture or PCR identifying the specific species. It is appropriate for both inpatient and outpatient settings where this specific infection is diagnosed.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states Shigella dysenteriae as the pathogen; do not assume based on symptoms alone.
• Distinguish from other forms of shigellosis (e.g., due to Shigella flexneri, Shigella boydii, or Shigella sonnei) which have different codes.
• Code any associated manifestations or complications, such as dehydration or hemolytic uremic syndrome, as additional diagnoses.