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Updated: Aug 26, 2026

Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
04:41

Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults

Published on: February 25, 2022

[Kingella kingae and osteoarticular infections in children]

Ellen Nordal1, Sofia Olausson, Dag Hvidsten

  • 1Barneavdelingen, Universitetssykehuset Nord-Norge, 9038 Tromsø. ellen.nordal@unn.no

Insights

Kingella kingae is an increasingly recognized cause of pediatric osteoarticular infections. Direct inoculation of specimens into blood culture bottles improves detection of this pathogen.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Orthopedics

Background:

  • Septic arthritis and osteomyelitis in children often lack identified causative agents due to challenges in bacterial culture.
  • Accurate pathogen identification is crucial for effective treatment of pediatric bone and joint infections.

Observation:

  • A case of septic arthritis caused by Kingella kingae in a two-year-old boy is presented.
  • A literature review reveals a rising incidence of pediatric osteoarticular infections attributed to Kingella kingae.

Findings:

  • Kingella kingae is an emerging pathogen in pediatric osteoarticular infections, with a typically benign clinical course.
  • Standard plating methods often fail to detect Kingella kingae, leading to underdiagnosis.
  • Directly inoculating osteoarticular specimens into blood culture bottles significantly enhances the isolation rate of Kingella kingae.

Implications:

  • Improved diagnostic methods, including enhanced culture techniques, are vital for identifying Kingella kingae.
  • Increased clinician awareness of Kingella kingae is necessary for timely diagnosis and targeted antibiotic therapy.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis of Kingella kingae infections can lead to better patient outcomes and prevent complications.
Abstract

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