Cutaneous listeriosis

This code identifies a bacterial infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes that primarily affects the skin. It typically presents as localized skin lesions, pustules, or papules, often following direct contact with contaminated materials or animals. Unlike systemic listeriosis, cutaneous forms are generally less severe and rarely lead to invasive disease.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of cutaneous listeriosis. This often occurs in occupational settings, such as veterinarians or abattoir workers, who handle infected animals or their products. Supporting documentation should include clinical findings consistent with skin infection and, ideally, laboratory confirmation of Listeria monocytogenes from a skin culture.

• Differentiate from systemic listeriosis (e.g., meningitis, sepsis), which are coded elsewhere.
• Ensure documentation specifies "cutaneous" to avoid miscoding more severe forms of listeriosis.
• Consider an external cause code if the exposure source (e.g., animal contact) is known and documented.