Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection

This code represents an acute gastrointestinal infection caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). ETEC produces toxins that lead to excessive fluid secretion in the small intestine, resulting in watery diarrhea. It is a common cause of traveler's diarrhea.

Use this code when documentation explicitly identifies ETEC as the causative agent of an intestinal infection, typically confirmed by laboratory testing (e.g., stool culture with toxin assay). This code is appropriate for patients presenting with symptoms such as acute onset of watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea, especially after travel to endemic areas.

• Ensure laboratory confirmation of ETEC is present in the medical record.
• Do not confuse with other E. coli infections (e.g., enterohemorrhagic, enteroinvasive) which have distinct codes.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.