Shigellosis due to Shigella flexneri

This code identifies an acute gastrointestinal infection caused specifically by the bacterium Shigella flexneri. It presents with symptoms such as fever, abdominal cramps, and bloody diarrhea, characteristic of bacterial dysentery. This particular Shigella species is a common cause of shigellosis globally.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of shigellosis and laboratory confirmation identifies Shigella flexneri as the causative agent. This typically follows stool culture results or other definitive microbiological testing. Use this code when the specific pathogen is known and documented.

• Ensure the documentation specifies Shigella flexneri and not another Shigella species or unspecified shigellosis.
• Do not use this code for unspecified shigellosis (A03.9) or shigellosis due to other Shigella species (e.g., Shigella dysenteriae A03.0, Shigella boydii A03.2, Shigella sonnei A03.3).
• Code any associated dehydration or other complications separately, following sequencing guidelines.