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Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat
Published on: October 29, 2014
Kingella kingae infections in children
Ehud Lebel1, Bernard Rudensky, Michael Karasik
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shaare-Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, affiliated with the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheba, Israel.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics. Part B
|June 6, 2006
Summary
Invasive Kingella kingae infections in children are common and typically mild. Early detection and antibiotic treatment, particularly with beta-lactams, lead to favorable outcomes, with surgery rarely needed for osteo-articular infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Kingella kingae, a beta-hemolytic gram-negative bacillus, has been recognized as a cause of pediatric osteo-articular infections since the 1980s.
- Understanding the incidence and clinical characteristics of invasive K. kingae infections is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, clinical presentation, and outcomes of invasive Kingella kingae infections in a pediatric population.
- To evaluate the role of K. kingae in pediatric osteo-articular infections and bacteremia.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric cases of invasive K. kingae infection between 1997 and 2002.
- Analysis of blood and synovial fluid cultures for K. kingae identification.
Main Results:
- Twenty-four pediatric patients with K. kingae infection were identified.
- K. kingae was found in 1.3% of positive blood cultures and 11.8% of positive synovial fluid cultures.
- Fifteen patients had osteo-articular infections, and 9 had primary bacteremia; all cases had favorable outcomes with antibiotic treatment, and surgery was rarely required.
Conclusions:
- Invasive K. kingae infection is a significant cause of pediatric infections, often presenting mildly.
- Prompt inoculation of blood and joint fluid into blood culture bottles aids detection.
- K. kingae is sensitive to beta-lactam antibiotics, leading to rapid recovery with appropriate treatment, minimizing the need for surgical intervention.
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