Acute and fulminating melioidosis

This code signifies a severe, rapidly progressing form of melioidosis, a bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. It encompasses both acute presentations, characterized by sudden onset and rapid deterioration, and fulminant cases, which are exceptionally severe and often fatal. The infection can manifest with sepsis, pneumonia, or widespread abscess formation.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of melioidosis with an acute or fulminant clinical course. This typically involves patients presenting with severe systemic illness, rapid progression of symptoms, and laboratory confirmation of B. pseudomallei infection. Documentation should specify the acute or fulminating nature of the disease.

• Differentiate from chronic melioidosis (A24.0) or unspecified melioidosis (A24.9) based on the acuity and severity documented.
• Code any associated manifestations, such as pneumonia (J17.0) or sepsis (A41.-), as additional diagnoses.
• Ensure physician documentation explicitly states "acute" or "fulminating" melioidosis to support this specific code.