ICD-10: A08.31

Calicivirus enteritis, classified under ICD-10 code A08.31, is an infectious disease primarily caused by caliciviruses, which are a group of viruses known to cause gastroenteritis. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a range of clinical presentations and symptoms. Below is a detailed overview of the clinical presentation, signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics associated with calicivirus enteritis.

Clinical Presentation

Overview

Calicivirus enteritis typically manifests as an acute gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. The onset of symptoms is usually sudden and can vary in severity among individuals. The disease is often self-limiting, but it can lead to significant discomfort and complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of calicivirus enteritis can include:

• Nausea and Vomiting: Patients often experience intense nausea, which may lead to frequent vomiting. This symptom can be particularly distressing and may occur shortly after the onset of the illness[6].

• Diarrhea: Watery diarrhea is a hallmark symptom, which can be profuse and lead to dehydration if not managed properly. The diarrhea may be accompanied by abdominal cramps[6][10].

• Abdominal Pain: Cramping and discomfort in the abdominal area are common, often correlating with the severity of diarrhea[15].

• Fever: A mild fever may be present, although it is not always a prominent feature of the illness. The fever can vary in intensity and duration[6].

• Headache and Muscle Aches: General malaise, including headaches and muscle aches, can accompany the gastrointestinal symptoms, contributing to the overall feeling of illness[6].

• Dehydration: Due to the loss of fluids from vomiting and diarrhea, patients may exhibit signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased urine output, and dizziness[6].

Duration of Symptoms

Symptoms typically last between 24 to 72 hours, with most patients recovering without the need for medical intervention. However, in severe cases, especially among high-risk groups, symptoms may persist longer and require medical attention[6].

Patient Characteristics

Demographics

Calicivirus enteritis can affect individuals of all ages, but certain demographics are more susceptible:

• Children: Young children are particularly vulnerable due to their smaller body size and lower fluid reserves, making them more prone to dehydration[6].

• Elderly: Older adults often have comorbidities that can complicate the course of the illness, making them at higher risk for severe dehydration and other complications[6].

• Immunocompromised Individuals: Patients with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or with chronic illnesses, may experience more severe symptoms and prolonged illness[6].

Risk Factors

• Contaminated Food and Water: The primary mode of transmission is through the consumption of contaminated food or water, making outbreaks common in settings such as cruise ships, nursing homes, and large gatherings[6][10].

• Close Contact: Close contact with infected individuals can facilitate the spread of the virus, particularly in crowded environments[6].

Conclusion

Calicivirus enteritis, represented by ICD-10 code A08.31, presents with a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The condition is typically self-limiting but can pose significant risks for certain populations, particularly children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Understanding the clinical presentation and patient characteristics is crucial for effective management and prevention of outbreaks. If symptoms persist or worsen, medical attention should be sought to prevent complications such as dehydration.

Calicivirus enteritis, classified under ICD-10 code A08.31, is a viral infection primarily affecting the gastrointestinal tract. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the intestines, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and nausea. Below is a detailed overview of the clinical description, symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment options associated with Calicivirus enteritis.

Clinical Description

Overview

Calicivirus enteritis is caused by caliciviruses, which are a group of small, non-enveloped viruses. The most notable member of this group is the Norovirus, which is a leading cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide. Calicivirus infections are highly contagious and can spread rapidly, particularly in crowded environments such as schools, nursing homes, and cruise ships.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Calicivirus enteritis typically manifest 24 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and may include:

• Diarrhea: Often watery and can be severe.
• Vomiting: Frequent and can lead to dehydration.
• Abdominal Pain: Cramping and discomfort in the stomach area.
• Nausea: A feeling of sickness that may accompany vomiting.
• Fever: Mild fever may occur in some cases.
• Headache and Muscle Aches: General malaise and discomfort.

Symptoms usually last for 1 to 3 days, but in some cases, they can persist longer, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with weakened immune systems[1][2].

Transmission

Calicivirus enteritis is primarily transmitted through:

• Fecal-Oral Route: Ingesting contaminated food or water.
• Direct Contact: Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus, followed by touching the mouth or face.
• Aerosolized Particles: In some cases, the virus can spread through droplets when an infected person vomits.

Due to its high infectivity, outbreaks can occur in settings where hygiene practices are inadequate[3][4].

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Calicivirus enteritis is typically based on clinical symptoms and patient history. Laboratory tests may include:

• Stool Testing: PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests can detect the presence of calicivirus RNA in stool samples.
• Serological Tests: These may be used to identify antibodies against the virus, although they are less common for acute diagnosis.

Healthcare providers may also consider the patient's recent exposure history, particularly if there is an outbreak in the community[5][6].

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for Calicivirus enteritis. Management primarily focuses on supportive care, which includes:

• Hydration: Oral rehydration solutions or intravenous fluids may be necessary to prevent dehydration, especially in severe cases.
• Symptomatic Relief: Over-the-counter medications may help alleviate symptoms such as nausea and abdominal pain, but caution is advised, especially in children.

Preventive measures are crucial to control the spread of the virus, including proper hand hygiene, safe food handling practices, and thorough cleaning of contaminated surfaces[7][8].

Conclusion

Calicivirus enteritis, represented by ICD-10 code A08.31, is a significant public health concern due to its high transmissibility and potential for outbreaks. Understanding its clinical presentation, transmission routes, and management strategies is essential for healthcare providers and the public to mitigate its impact. Maintaining good hygiene practices and prompt supportive care are key components in managing this viral infection effectively.

References

1. ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A08.31 - Calicivirus enteritis - ICD List.
2. ICD-10-CM Code for Calicivirus enteritis A08.31 - AAPC.
3. Billing and Coding: Multiplex Gastrointestinal Pathogen Testing.
4. ICD-10-CM Code A08.3: Other viral enteritis.
5. 2025 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A08.31: Calicivirus enteritis.
6. ICD-10-CM - ncit.nci.nih.gov.
7. A08.31 ICD 10 Code - Calicivirus enteritis - Billable.
8. Disclaimer on clinical coding and billing practices.

Calicivirus enteritis, classified under ICD-10 code A08.31, is associated with various alternative names and related terms that reflect its clinical significance and the broader category of viral infections it belongs to. Below is a detailed overview of these terms.

Alternative Names for Calicivirus Enteritis

1. Norovirus Infection: Often used interchangeably with calicivirus enteritis, norovirus is a prominent member of the Caliciviridae family and is a common cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks, particularly in community settings like schools and cruise ships.

2. Viral Gastroenteritis: This term encompasses a range of viral infections that cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines, including those caused by caliciviruses. It is a broader category that includes infections from various viruses, such as rotavirus and adenovirus.

3. Calicivirus Gastroenteritis: This term specifically highlights the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with calicivirus infections, emphasizing the virus's role in causing gastroenteritis.

4. Foodborne Viral Gastroenteritis: This term is often used when calicivirus enteritis is linked to the consumption of contaminated food, which is a common transmission route for norovirus.

Related Terms

1. A08.3 - Other Viral Enteritis: This ICD-10 code encompasses other viral enteritis cases that do not specifically fall under calicivirus or norovirus, indicating a broader classification of viral gastrointestinal infections.

2. Sapovirus: Another member of the Caliciviridae family, sapovirus can cause similar gastrointestinal symptoms and is sometimes included in discussions about calicivirus enteritis due to its relatedness.

3. Gastroenteritis: A general term for inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which can be caused by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

4. Acute Gastroenteritis: This term refers to the sudden onset of gastroenteritis symptoms, which can be caused by calicivirus and other viral agents.

5. Viral Enteritis: A broader term that includes any inflammation of the intestines caused by viral infections, including those caused by caliciviruses.

Conclusion

Understanding the alternative names and related terms for ICD-10 code A08.31: Calicivirus enteritis is essential for healthcare professionals, as it aids in accurate diagnosis, coding, and communication regarding patient care. The terms reflect the clinical presentation and epidemiology of the disease, highlighting its significance in public health, particularly in foodborne illness contexts.

Calicivirus enteritis, classified under the ICD-10 code A08.31, is a viral infection that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. The diagnosis of calicivirus enteritis involves several criteria, which can be categorized into clinical presentation, laboratory testing, and epidemiological factors. Below is a detailed overview of these criteria.

Clinical Presentation

1. Symptoms: Patients typically present with acute gastroenteritis symptoms, which may include:
   - Sudden onset of vomiting
   - Diarrhea (often watery)
   - Abdominal cramps
   - Nausea
   - Low-grade fever
   - Muscle aches

2. Duration: Symptoms usually last for 1 to 3 days, which is characteristic of viral gastroenteritis caused by calicivirus.

3. Exclusion of Other Causes: It is essential to rule out other potential causes of gastroenteritis, such as bacterial infections (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli) or other viral pathogens (e.g., norovirus, rotavirus).

Laboratory Testing

1. Stool Testing: The definitive diagnosis of calicivirus enteritis often relies on laboratory testing of stool samples. Tests may include:
   - Molecular assays: These tests detect viral RNA using techniques such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), which is highly sensitive and specific for calicivirus.
   - Antigen detection: Enzyme immunoassays can be used to identify calicivirus antigens in stool samples.

2. Serological Tests: While less common, serological tests may be used to detect antibodies against calicivirus, although they are not typically the primary diagnostic method.

Epidemiological Factors

1. Outbreak Investigation: Calicivirus is often associated with outbreaks, particularly in closed or semi-closed environments such as cruise ships, nursing homes, and schools. An epidemiological link to an outbreak can support the diagnosis.

2. Travel History: A recent history of travel to areas with known calicivirus outbreaks or consumption of contaminated food or water may also be relevant.

3. Contact History: Exposure to individuals with similar symptoms or confirmed calicivirus infections can be a significant factor in diagnosis.

Conclusion

In summary, the diagnosis of calicivirus enteritis (ICD-10 code A08.31) is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, laboratory testing, and epidemiological context. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and to prevent further transmission, especially during outbreaks. If you suspect calicivirus enteritis, it is advisable to consult healthcare professionals for proper evaluation and testing.

Calicivirus enteritis, classified under ICD-10 code A08.31, is primarily associated with infections caused by caliciviruses, including norovirus, which is a leading cause of viral gastroenteritis. The management of calicivirus enteritis focuses on supportive care, as there are no specific antiviral treatments available for these infections. Below is a detailed overview of standard treatment approaches for this condition.

Understanding Calicivirus Enteritis

Calicivirus enteritis is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and nausea. The infection is often self-limiting, but it can lead to dehydration, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals[1][2].

Standard Treatment Approaches

1. Supportive Care

The cornerstone of treatment for calicivirus enteritis is supportive care, which includes:

• Hydration: Maintaining fluid balance is crucial. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are recommended to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. In cases of severe dehydration, intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary[1][2].

• Dietary Management: Patients are often advised to start with a bland diet as symptoms improve. Foods that are easy to digest, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet), can be beneficial. Gradual reintroduction of regular foods is recommended as tolerated[1].

2. Symptomatic Treatment

• Antiemetics: Medications such as ondansetron may be prescribed to control severe nausea and vomiting, particularly in cases where these symptoms are debilitating[1][2].

• Antidiarrheal Medications: While generally not recommended in cases of viral gastroenteritis due to the risk of prolonging the infection, medications like loperamide may be used cautiously in adults if diarrhea is severe and not accompanied by high fever or bloody stools[1].

3. Monitoring and Prevention of Complications

• Monitoring for Dehydration: Healthcare providers should monitor patients for signs of dehydration, which can include dry mouth, decreased urine output, and dizziness. Early intervention is critical to prevent complications[1][2].

• Infection Control: Since calicivirus is highly contagious, especially in communal settings, strict hygiene measures should be implemented. This includes frequent handwashing, sanitizing surfaces, and isolating infected individuals to prevent outbreaks[1].

4. Education and Awareness

Educating patients and caregivers about the nature of the infection, its transmission, and preventive measures is essential. Awareness of when to seek medical attention, particularly for signs of severe dehydration or persistent symptoms, can help mitigate risks associated with calicivirus enteritis[1][2].

Conclusion

In summary, the management of calicivirus enteritis (ICD-10 code A08.31) primarily revolves around supportive care, hydration, and symptomatic treatment. While the infection is typically self-limiting, careful monitoring and preventive measures are vital to ensure patient safety and reduce the risk of transmission. As always, individuals experiencing severe symptoms or complications should seek medical attention promptly to receive appropriate care.