A04.1 Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection (ETEC infection)

#### Summary
- Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection is a bacterial infection that affects the intestines, causing diarrhea and is often linked to travel to developing countries. It's a common cause of traveler's diarrhea.

#### Causes
- ETEC infection is caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the enterotoxigenic strain of Escherichia coli bacteria. These bacteria produce toxins that lead to intestinal inflammation.

#### Risk Factors
- Traveling to regions with poor sanitation and hygiene.
- Consuming contaminated food or water.
- Age, particularly children and elderly who are more susceptible.

#### Symptoms
- Watery diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea
- Dehydration
- Occasionally, mild fever

#### Diagnosis
- Stool culture to identify the presence of ETEC bacteria.
- Rapid diagnostic tests for specific toxin detection.
- Assessment of travel history and symptoms.

#### Treatment Options
- Rehydration, often through oral rehydration solutions, to replace lost fluids.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed in severe cases to reduce the duration of symptoms.
- Antidiarrheal medications could be used under medical supervision.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Most ETEC infections resolve within a few days with proper hydration and treatment.
- Rare complications can include significant dehydration requiring medical intervention.
- Regular follow-up may not be necessary unless symptoms persist or worsen.

#### Complications
- Severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
- In rare cases, prolonged or repeated infections.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Avoid consuming untreated water and unwashed produce in high-risk regions.
- Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing.
- Use water purification measures or boil water before drinking in risky areas.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Persistent or severe diarrhea, especially with signs of dehydration.
- High fever or blood in stools.
- Severe abdominal pain.

#### Additional Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): [Traveler's Health](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel).
- World Health Organization (WHO): [Diarrhoeal Disease Information](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoeal-disease).

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure accuracy by confirming the presence of ETEC through proper diagnostic documentation.
- Be aware that ETEC is just one form of E. coli infection and should be specifically coded as A04.1.
- Double-check region-specific outbreaks or travel history that might clarify the cause of the infection.

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