B78.0 Intestinal strongyloidiasis

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Intestinal Strongyloidiasis
- Also known as Strongyloides stercoralis infection

#### Summary
Intestinal strongyloidiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis, leading to chronic gastrointestinal symptoms and, in severe cases, systemic illness.

#### Causes
The condition is caused by infection with the Strongyloides stercoralis parasite. It typically enters the human body through skin contact with contaminated soil.

#### Risk Factors
- Residing in or traveling to tropical and subtropical regions.
- Walking barefoot on contaminated soil.
- Immunocompromised state, such as due to HIV/AIDS or long-term corticosteroid use.

#### Symptoms
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Skin rash
- Cough and wheezing (if larval migration occurs to the lungs)

#### Diagnosis
- Microscopic examination of stool samples to detect larvae.
- Serological tests to identify specific antibodies.
- Molecular tests (PCR) for more accurate detection in difficult cases.

#### Treatment Options
- Ivermectin is the primary treatment, effectively eradicating the parasite.
- Albendazole can be used as an alternative in some cases.
- Treatments help relieve symptoms and eliminate the parasite from the body.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- With appropriate treatment, the prognosis is generally good.
- Re-infection can occur; regular follow-ups are important, especially for individuals in endemic areas.

#### Complications
- Hyperinfection syndrome, particularly in immunocompromised patients, leading to a potentially fatal condition.
- Secondary bacterial infections due to parasite migration.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Avoid walking barefoot in endemic areas.
- Improved sanitation and proper sewage disposal.
- Health education about risks in endemic regions to reduce infection rates.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, especially after travel to endemic areas.
- Skin rashes or respiratory issues following potential exposure.

#### Additional Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): [Strongyloides](https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/strongyloides/index.html)
- World Health Organization (WHO): [Soil-transmitted helminth infections](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/soil-transmitted-helminth-infections)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the diagnosis is based on confirmed laboratory findings for accurate coding.
- Be mindful of differentiating intestinal strongyloidiasis from other types of parasitic infections.
- Avoid using unspecified codes where more specific coding is possible (B78.0 for strongyloidiasis).

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