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Osteoarticular infections due to Kingella kingae in children
Insights
Kingella kingae causes invasive osteoarticular infections, predominantly in young children. Early identification and antibiotic treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in these bone and joint infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Kingella kingae, identified in 1976, is increasingly recognized as a significant human pathogen.
- This bacterium is commonly associated with invasive infections including endocarditis, bacteremia, and osteoarticular conditions.
Observation:
- This study highlights two pediatric cases of osteoarticular infections caused by Kingella kingae.
- A literature review of 51 cases revealed that septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and spondylodiscitis are common presentations.
- Notably, 88% of these infections occurred in children under five years old, typically affecting a single bone or joint without underlying health issues.
Findings:
- Osteoarticular involvement is a predominant manifestation of invasive Kingella kingae infections in pediatric patients.
- The majority of affected children were under five years of age and generally healthy.
- Single bone or joint involvement was characteristic in these cases.
Implications:
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for Kingella kingae in pediatric patients presenting with bone and joint infections.
- Prompt isolation and identification of Kingella kingae are essential for effective management.
- Intravenous antibiotic therapy leads to favorable outcomes for these invasive infections.
Abstract:
By the description of two cases of osteoarticular infections due to Kingella kingae in two young children we wish to draw the attention of clinicians to invasive infections due to this micro-organism. Since its biological characterization in 1976, K. kingae has been increasingly reported as a human pathogen. Most common presentations are endocarditis, bacteraemia, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis and spondylodiscitis. Interestingly, osteorticular involvement is largely predominant in previously healthy children. From the literature, we reviewed 51 cases of K. kingae bone and joint infections, representing 23 cases of septic arthritis, 17 of osteomyelitis and 11 spondylodiscitis. Of the cases 88% occurred in children below 5 years of age and in all cases only one bone or joint was involved. An underlying disorder could be found in only 4 patients. Since these infections have a favourable outcome with intravenous antibiotic treatment, proper isolation and identification of K. kingae is essential.