Listeriosis

This code describes listeriosis, a serious infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. It primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, often leading to severe illness such as meningitis, sepsis, or spontaneous abortion.

Use this code for confirmed cases of listeriosis based on laboratory identification of Listeria monocytogenes from a normally sterile site (e.g., blood, CSF) or other clinical specimens in a symptomatic patient. Documentation should clearly indicate the diagnosis of listeriosis and the patient's clinical presentation.

• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when listeriosis is the reason for the encounter.
• Code any associated manifestations, such as meningitis (320.x) or septicemia (038.x), as secondary diagnoses.
• Ensure documentation specifies the site of infection if known, although 027.0 covers systemic listeriosis.