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Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
Published on: February 25, 2022
[Septic arthritis caused by Kingella kingae in children]
María Isabel Garzón1, Daniela Verónica Hernández2, Juan Pablo Caeiro1
1Servicio de Infectología, Hospital Privado de Córdoba.
Insights
Kingella kingae causes septic arthritis in children. Early identification using blood culture bottles for synovial fluid is crucial for prompt treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Microbiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Bacterial arthritis frequently affects children, with Kingella kingae emerging as a significant pathogen.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for managing pediatric septic arthritis.
Observation:
- A 10-month-old boy presented with right knee immobility, indicative of septic arthritis.
- Arthrocentesis revealed Kingella kingae as the causative agent.
Findings:
- Kingella kingae, a pharyngeal colonizer, can cause septic arthritis.
- Isolation on standard culture media can be challenging.
Implications:
- Suspected septic arthritis in children warrants consideration of Kingella kingae.
- Utilizing blood culture bottles for synovial fluid samples improves diagnostic yield.
Introduction:
Approximately 50% of cases of bacterial arthritis occur in childhood. Currently Kingella kingae is considered as an emerging pathogen.
Clinical Case:
A ten month old male patient presented joint immobility in right knee. Arthrocentesis was performed.Kingella kingae was identified. He received treatment with ampiciline for 14 days.
Discussion:
This pathogen colonizes the posterior pharynx.Isolation in solid culture media may be difficult.
Conclusion:
It is essential to consider this pathogen when septic arthritis is suspected, and to routinely use blood culture bottles for processing samples of synovial fluid.
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Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
