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  5. African trypanosomiasis (B56)

African trypanosomiasis (B56)

The ICD-10 code B56 and its subcodes are used to classify African trypanosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma species. These codes help identify the specific type or if the diagnosis is unspecified.

B56.0 covers Gambiense trypanosomiasis, commonly known as African trypanosomiasis, characterized by meningitis or encephalitis caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. This form is a chronic condition primarily found in West and Central Africa. The detailed synonyms link common terms like "Trypanosomiasis with meningitis" and "Infection by Trypanosoma gambiense" to this code, assisting in accurate coding when these conditions are documented. B56.1 denotes Rhodesiense trypanosomiasis, an acute infection related to Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, often involving meningitis or encephalitis and predominantly found in East Africa. For cases where the type isn’t specified, B56.9 applies to African trypanosomiasis without a clear subtype diagnosis but may involve skin or neurological symptoms and infections by related Trypanosoma species. These codes guide medical professionals and coders in selecting the precise ICD-10 code for African trypanosomiasis based on clinical presentation and pathogen identification.

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Chagas Cardiomyopathy

A disease of the CARDIAC MUSCLE developed subsequent to the initial protozoan infection by TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI. After infection, less than 10% develop acute illness such as MYOCARDITIS (mostly in children). The disease then enters a latent phase without clinical symptoms until about 20 years later. Myocardial symptoms of advanced CHAGAS DISEASE include conduction defects (HEART BLOCK) and CARDIOMEGALY.

Chagas Disease

Infection with the protozoan parasite TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI, a form of TRYPANOSOMIASIS endemic in Central and South America. It is named after the Brazilian physician Carlos Chagas, who discovered the parasite. Infection by the parasite (positive serologic result only) is distinguished from the clinical manifestations that develop years later, such as destruction of PARASYMPATHETIC GANGLIA; CHAGAS CARDIOMYOPATHY; and dysfunction of the ESOPHAGUS or COLON.

Trypanosoma

A genus of flagellate protozoans found in the BLOOD and LYMPH of vertebrates and invertebrates, both hosts being required to complete the life cycle.

Trypanosomiasis

Infection with protozoa of the genus TRYPANOSOMA.

Trypanosomiasis, African

A disease endemic among people and animals in Central Africa. It is caused by various species of trypanosomes, particularly T. gambiense and T. rhodesiense. Its second host is the TSETSE FLY. Involvement of the central nervous system produces African sleeping sickness. Nagana is a rapidly fatal trypanosomiasis of horses and other animals.

Trypanosomiasis, Bovine

Infection in cattle caused by various species of trypanosomes.

Tsetse Flies

Bloodsucking flies of the genus Glossina, found primarily in equatorial Africa. Several species are intermediate hosts of trypanosomes.