Listerial sepsis

This code signifies a severe, systemic infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, specifically when it leads to sepsis. Listerial sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by the body's overwhelming and dysregulated response to the infection, resulting in organ dysfunction. It often affects vulnerable populations such as neonates, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of sepsis due to Listeria monocytogenes. This typically involves positive blood cultures for Listeria in conjunction with clinical signs and symptoms of sepsis, such as fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, and evidence of organ dysfunction. It is crucial to differentiate listerial sepsis from other forms of sepsis or localized listerial infections.

• Always confirm the causative organism is Listeria monocytogenes and that the systemic inflammatory response meets the criteria for sepsis.
• Code any associated organ dysfunction (e.g., acute kidney failure, respiratory failure) as additional diagnoses.
• Do not confuse with localized listerial infections, such as listerial meningitis (G00.2) or listerial endocarditis (I39.8), unless sepsis is also present.