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Pathogenic determinants of Kingella kingae disease
Eric A Porsch1, Kevin A Hernandez1,2, Daniel P Morreale1,2
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
Frontiers in Pediatrics
|October 28, 2022
Summary
Kingella kingae is an emerging pediatric pathogen causing bone and joint infections. Key bacterial surface factors like pili, toxins, and polysaccharides contribute to its pathogenicity, offering targets for prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Kingella kingae is an emerging pediatric pathogen.
- It is a leading cause of septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and bacteremia in children.
- It can also cause endocarditis in young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular determinants of Kingella kingae pathogenicity.
- To understand the roles of bacterial surface factors in disease development.
- To provide insights into potential prevention and treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on Kingella kingae virulence factors.
- Analysis of identified bacterial surface factors involved in pathogenesis.
- Synthesis of knowledge on adherence, barrier breach, and immune resistance mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Identified key bacterial surface factors contributing to K. kingae pathogenicity.
- Type IV pili and Knh autotransporter mediate adherence.
- RTX-family toxin facilitates epithelial barrier breach.
- Surface polysaccharides confer resistance to complement and neutrophils.
Conclusions:
- Understanding these factors is crucial for combating K. kingae infections.
- Targeting these virulence factors may lead to novel therapeutic and preventive approaches.
- Further research into K. kingae pathogenesis is warranted.
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