Balantidiasis

This code represents balantidiasis, a rare parasitic infection of the large intestine caused by the ciliate protozoan Balantidium coli. The infection can range from asymptomatic carriage to severe dysentery, characterized by abdominal pain, tenesmus, and watery stools often mixed with blood and mucus.

Use this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of balantidiasis, typically identified through microscopic examination of stool samples revealing Balantidium coli trophozoites or cysts. This diagnosis is often associated with exposure to pigs or contaminated water sources.

• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies Balantidium coli as the causative agent to differentiate from other parasitic dysenteries.
• Code any associated symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain, diarrhea) separately if they are not considered integral to the balantidiasis diagnosis itself.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter, followed by any manifestations or complications.