Gambian trypanosomiasis

This code represents an infection caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, specifically the West African form of human African trypanosomiasis. It is characterized by a chronic progression, often involving a hemolymphatic stage followed by central nervous system involvement.

Use this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of Gambian sleeping sickness. This typically involves laboratory confirmation of T. b. gambiense in blood, lymph, or cerebrospinal fluid, along with clinical signs and symptoms consistent with the disease.

• Differentiate carefully from Rhodesian trypanosomiasis, which has a more acute presentation and is caused by T. b. rhodesiense.
• Ensure documentation specifies the gambiense form; otherwise, a more general trypanosomiasis code may be appropriate.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, especially during initial diagnosis and treatment.