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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. A00–B99
  4. B65-B83
  5. Diphyllobothriasis and sparganosis (B70)

Diphyllobothriasis and sparganosis (B70)

ICD-10 code B70 is used to classify infections caused by specific tapeworm parasites, including both diphyllobothriasis (B70.0) and sparganosis (B70.1). These codes help healthcare providers document and report cases of these rare parasitic diseases effectively.

Diphyllobothriasis refers to the infection caused by tapeworms of the Diphyllobothriidae family, also known by names such as "infection by Diphyllobothrium latum," "intestinal diphyllobothriasis," or "megaloblastic anemia caused by fish tapeworm." This condition results from ingesting larvae through undercooked fish. In contrast, sparganosis involves infection by the larvae of Spirometra species and is sometimes called "infection by Spirometra larvae" or "dermatosis caused by tapeworm." Sparganosis often affects the skin or subcutaneous tissues. Understanding the synonyms connected to these infections helps medical coders accurately select ICD-10 code B70 when encountering related terms during diagnosis or documentation.

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.

Diphyllobothriasis

Infection with tapeworms of the genus Diphyllobothrium.

Sparganosis

Infection of animals, including fish and man, with a developmental stage of Diphyllobothrium. This stage has recently been referred to as a plerocercoid but the name sparganum has persisted. Therefore, infection of fish or other animals with the plerocercoid larvae is sparganosis. Fish-eating mammals, including man, are the final hosts.