B97.3: Retrovirus as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters

Retroviruses are a type of virus that replicate in a host cell by reverse transcription, a process in which RNA converts into DNA. The ICD-10 code B97.3 pertains to those diseases that are induced by these retroviruses, though they are categorized in other chapters. Retroviruses can cause different kinds of health problems including certain types of cancers and autoimmune diseases. They are generally transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids, unprotected sexual contact, contaminated needles, or from mother to baby at birth or through breastfeeding. Common symptoms depend largely on the specific disease that is caused but may include fatigue, fever, weight loss and swollen lymph nodes. Disease progression varies and may involve different body systems depending on the specific disease caused by the retrovirus. While some people may have diseases that progress slowly over many years, others may experience a more rapid progression.