Sepsis due to Escherichia coli [E. coli]

This code signifies a severe, life-threatening systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) caused specifically by an infection with Escherichia coli. It indicates that the patient's sepsis is directly attributable to this common gram-negative bacterium.

Use this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of sepsis and laboratory confirmation or strong clinical evidence points to E. coli as the causative organism. This is typically supported by positive blood cultures, urine cultures, or other relevant body fluid cultures identifying E. coli in a septic patient.

• Always sequence this code as the principal diagnosis when sepsis is the reason for admission, followed by codes for any associated organ dysfunction.
• Ensure documentation explicitly links E. coli as the pathogen responsible for the sepsis; avoid assuming the organism based on site of infection alone.
• Do not use this code if the E. coli infection is localized and does not meet the criteria for sepsis.