Related Experiment Videos
Intervertebral diskitis caused by Kingella kingae
Insights
Kingella kingae is a rare cause of intervertebral diskitis in children. This case highlights the importance of identifying fastidious bacteria in pediatric bone and joint infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Orthopedic Infections
Background:
- Kingella kingae is an emerging pathogen in pediatric infections.
- Bone and joint infections are common manifestations of K. kingae.
Observation:
- A case of intervertebral diskitis in a child caused by Kingella kingae is presented.
- Literature review identified 33 Kingella genus infections, with 29 due to K. kingae.
- K. kingae infections included bacterial endocarditis and bone/joint infections.
Findings:
- Of 16 bone and joint infections, 2 were intervertebral diskitis.
- This case represents the third reported instance of K. kingae intervertebral diskitis in children.
- Fastidious microorganisms play a significant role in childhood intervertebral diskitis.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis requires meticulous specimen collection and microbiologic processing.
- Increased awareness of K. kingae as a cause of pediatric spinal infections is warranted.
- Early identification and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric bone and joint infections.
Abstract:
A case of childhood intervertebral diskitis caused by Kingella kingae is presented. In a review of the literature, the authors found 33 reported cases of infection caused by species of the Kingella genus, of which 29 were due to K. kingae. Of the 33 cases, 42% represented bacterial endocarditis and 48% bone and joint infection. Of the 16 bone and joint infections, 11 represented septic arthritis, 3 osteomyelitis, and 2 intervertebral diskitis, the latter finding making the authors' case of K. kingae intervertebral diskitis the third to be reported. A review of the bacteriologic findings in cases of childhood intervertebral diskitis indicates a prominent role for fastidious microorganisms and the need for careful attention to specimen procurement and microbiologic processing.