Invasive pediatric Kingella kingae Infections: a nationwide collaborative study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Kingella kingae is an emerging gram-negative coccobacillus causing invasive pediatric infections.
• Limited data exists on invasive K. kingae infections, with most studies from single centers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a nationwide multicenter study on K. kingae infections in children.
• To investigate the epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory features of invasive K. kingae infections.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of K. kingae isolates from sterile sites in children (0-18 years) across 22 medical centers in Israel.
• Data collected from January 1997 to December 2007, with medical record review using uniform case definitions.

Main Results:

• 322 infection episodes identified in 321 children, predominantly under 36 months (96%).
• Skeletal infections (septic arthritis, osteomyelitis) were most common (52.6%), followed by bacteremia (43.6%).
• Most patients presented with mild illness, with atypical laboratory findings in many.

Conclusions:

• K. kingae infections typically affect healthy children aged 6-36 months.
• Skeletal infections and bacteremia are the most frequent manifestations.
• Mild clinical presentation necessitates a high index of suspicion for diagnosis.