Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

[Kingella kingae pediatric septic arthritis]

María Alejandra Vásquez1, María Pilar Palacián, María Cruz Villuendas

  • 1Servicio de microbiología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain. mavas08@yahoo.es

Archivos Argentinos De Pediatria
|December 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Kingella kingae, a common upper respiratory bacterium, can cause bone and joint infections in young children. This case highlights its role as an emerging pathogen in pediatric osteoarticular infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Osteoarticular infections

Background:

  • Kingella kingae is a bacterium typically colonizing the upper respiratory tract.
  • Previous respiratory conditions may predispose to systemic spread and bone/joint infections, particularly in children under five.
  • K. kingae is recognized as an emerging pathogen in pediatric osteoarticular infections.

Observation:

  • A two-year-old girl presented with hip pain, limited range of motion, and fever.
  • Imaging studies suggested transient synovitis, with scintigraphy indicating inflammatory pathology in the right hip.
  • Articular fluid analysis revealed abnormal biochemical parameters.

Findings:

  • Microbiological culture identified Kingella kingae (K. kingae) from the joint fluid.
  • The isolated K. kingae strain was susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics, azithromycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
  • Blood cultures were negative, and the patient improved with antibiotic treatment.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering K. kingae in the differential diagnosis of pediatric osteoarticular infections.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes in children.
  • Understanding K. kingae's pathogenic potential is vital for pediatric infectious disease management.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such as Proteus,...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.