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08:27
Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat
Published on: October 29, 2014
Kingella kingae: an emerging pathogen in young children
Pablo Yagupsky1, Eric Porsch, Joseph W St Geme
1Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of Negev, Beer-Sheva 84101, Israel. yagupsky@bgu.ac.il
Pediatrics
|February 16, 2011
Summary
Kingella kingae is a common cause of serious infections in young children, particularly those attending daycare. Early detection and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes, though endocarditis cases require special attention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Kingella kingae is increasingly recognized as a significant cause of pediatric osteoarticular infections, bacteremia, and endocarditis.
- Improved diagnostic methods, including nucleic acid-amplification techniques, have enhanced the detection of K. kingae.
- K. kingae colonizes the pharynx of young children and spreads through close contact, with daycare attendance being a risk factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the growing recognition of Kingella kingae as a pediatric pathogen.
- To discuss the transmission dynamics and risk factors associated with K. kingae infections.
- To outline the clinical presentation, diagnostic considerations, and treatment of K. kingae infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical data and microbiological findings related to Kingella kingae infections.
- Discussion of virulence factors such as type IV pili and RTX toxin.
- Analysis of age distribution and clinical manifestations in affected children.
Main Results:
- Kingella kingae infections are most common in children aged 6 to 48 months, especially those attending daycare.
- The bacterium possesses key virulence factors, including type IV pili and an RTX toxin.
- Clinical presentation can be subtle, often with normal acute-phase reactants, necessitating a high index of suspicion.
Conclusions:
- Kingella kingae is a prevalent cause of invasive infections in young children.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy, typically with ß-lactams, lead to good outcomes, except in cases of endocarditis.
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