Unspecified malaria (B54)
The ICD-10 code B54 is used to classify cases of unspecified malaria, encompassing malaria infections where the specific type of the malaria parasite is not identified. This code helps document and report malaria cases when detailed diagnostic information is unavailable.
Unspecified malaria (B54) covers a range of clinical scenarios, including "malarial fever," "complicated malaria," and "mixed malaria" infections. It also applies when malaria is linked with conditions such as hemolytic anemia, nephrotic syndrome, or malarial hepatitis, and during pregnancy or childbirth, sometimes referred to as "maternal malaria." The term "airport malaria" describes cases acquired near airports from infected mosquitoes. Coders should note that this code includes various presentations described by synonyms such as "clinical malaria," "protozoal disease complicating pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium," and "hyperreactive malarial splenomegaly syndrome." Using ICD-10 code B54 ensures accurate recording when the malaria species; such as Plasmodium falciparum or vivax; is not specified but the diagnosis of malaria is confirmed. This is essential for healthcare providers tracking malaria cases where further parasite identification is not available or necessary.
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.
Blackwater Fever
A complication of MALARIA, FALCIPARUM characterized by the passage of dark red to black urine.
Malaria
A protozoan disease caused in humans by four species of the PLASMODIUM genus: PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM; PLASMODIUM VIVAX; PLASMODIUM OVALE; and PLASMODIUM MALARIAE; and transmitted by the bite of an infected female mosquito of the genus ANOPHELES. Malaria is endemic in parts of Asia, Africa, Central and South America, Oceania, and certain Caribbean islands. It is characterized by extreme exhaustion associated with paroxysms of high FEVER; SWEATING; shaking CHILLS; and ANEMIA. Malaria in ANIMALS is caused by other species of plasmodia.
Malaria Vaccines
Vaccines made from antigens arising from any of the four strains of Plasmodium which cause malaria in humans, or from P. berghei which causes malaria in rodents.
Malaria, Avian
Any of a group of infections of fowl caused by protozoa of the genera PLASMODIUM, Leucocytozoon, and Haemoproteus. The life cycles of these parasites and the disease produced bears strong resemblance to those observed in human malaria.
Malaria, Cerebral
A condition characterized by somnolence or coma in the presence of an acute infection with PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM (and rarely other Plasmodium species). Initial clinical manifestations include HEADACHES; SEIZURES; and alterations of mentation followed by a rapid progression to COMA. Pathologic features include cerebral capillaries filled with parasitized erythrocytes and multiple small foci of cortical and subcortical necrosis. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p136)
Malaria, Falciparum
Malaria caused by PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM. This is the severest form of malaria and is associated with the highest levels of parasites in the blood. This disease is characterized by irregularly recurring febrile paroxysms that in extreme cases occur with acute cerebral, renal, or gastrointestinal manifestations.
Malaria, Vivax
Malaria caused by PLASMODIUM VIVAX. This form of malaria is less severe than MALARIA, FALCIPARUM, but there is a higher probability for relapses to occur. Febrile paroxysms often occur every other day.
Plasmodium
A genus of protozoa that comprise the malaria parasites of mammals. Four species infect humans (although occasional infections with primate malarias may occur). These are PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM; PLASMODIUM MALARIAE; PLASMODIUM OVALE, and PLASMODIUM VIVAX. Species causing infection in vertebrates other than man include: PLASMODIUM BERGHEI; PLASMODIUM CHABAUDI; P. vinckei, and PLASMODIUM YOELII in rodents; P. brasilianum, PLASMODIUM CYNOMOLGI; and PLASMODIUM KNOWLESI in monkeys; and PLASMODIUM GALLINACEUM in chickens.
Plasmodium falciparum
A species of protozoa that is the causal agent of falciparum malaria (MALARIA, FALCIPARUM). It is most prevalent in the tropics and subtropics.
