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Published on: October 29, 2014
Kingella kingae infections in children
1Department of Paediatrics, Gold Coast Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia.
Insights
Kingella kingae infections in children are more common than previously thought. Early detection and appropriate antibiotic treatment, such as cephalosporins, are crucial for managing these pediatric infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Kingella kingae is an increasingly recognized cause of invasive pediatric infections.
- Awareness of this pathogen is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- Four cases of Kingella kingae infection in children are presented.
- Literature review conducted from 1983-1998 identified osteoarticular infections, bacteremia, and endocarditis.
Findings:
- Isolation of Kingella kingae can be challenging; enriched blood culture systems improve recovery.
- Most isolates are susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics, though resistance exists.
Implications:
- Kingella kingae infections are likely underdiagnosed in pediatric populations.
- Active pursuit of Kingella kingae in suspected osteoarticular infections is recommended.
- Empiric therapy with third-generation cephalosporins is advised pending susceptibility results.
Objective:
To increase awareness of Kingella kingae infections in children by presenting four cases seen at the Gold Coast Hospital, Southport, Queensland, and reviewing the literature.
Methodology:
Records of the four cases were reviewed and relevant information described. A MEDLINE search of the English literature from 1983 to 1998 was conducted.
Results:
Osteoarticular infections are the commonest type of invasive paediatric infection but bacteraemia and endocarditis also occur. Isolation of the organism is difficult but inoculation of the specimen into enriched blood culture systems improves the recovery rate. The majority of isolates are sensitive to beta-lactam antibiotics but resistance has been described.
Conclusions:
Kingella kingae infections in children are more common than previously recognized. The organism should be actively sought in any child with suspected osteoarticular infections. Recommended empiric therapy is a third generation cephalosporin until susceptibility to penicillin is confirmed.
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