Gambiense trypanosomiasis

This diagnosis code identifies infection with Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, a parasitic protozoan causing West African sleeping sickness. It is characterized by an initial hemolymphatic stage with fever, headache, and lymphadenopathy, progressing to a meningoencephalitic stage affecting the central nervous system.

Assign this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of Gambiense trypanosomiasis, typically through microscopic identification of trypomastigotes in blood, lymph node aspirate, or cerebrospinal fluid. It is appropriate for both acute and chronic presentations of the disease caused by this specific subspecies.

• Differentiate from Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis, which is caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and has a distinct code.
• Ensure documentation specifies the gambiense subspecies for accurate code assignment.
• Code any associated neurological manifestations or organ involvement separately, if applicable.