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Endocarditis due to Kingella kingae
Insights
Kingella kingae infections, including endocarditis, are rare but can occur in patients with underlying health issues. This organism shows low pathogenicity, with children potentially being more susceptible.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Kingella kingae is a Gram-negative coccobacillus, part of the normal flora of the oropharynx.
- While typically associated with mild infections in children, invasive disease can occur.
- Endocarditis caused by Kingella kingae is uncommon, particularly in adults.
Observation:
- This report details four cases of endocarditis caused by Kingella kingae in immunocompromised adult patients.
- All patients presented with primary heart disease; two also had systemic lupus erythematosus and congenital heart defect, respectively.
- Kingella kingae was confirmed in one case during autopsy.
Findings:
- A review of the literature identified 11 additional cases of Kingella kingae endocarditis, alongside cases of bacteremia, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, and disc infection.
- The collective findings suggest that Kingella kingae exhibits low pathogenicity.
- Children may represent a predisposed population for Kingella kingae infections.
Implications:
- These cases highlight the potential for Kingella kingae to cause severe infections like endocarditis, even in adults with significant comorbidities.
- Understanding the spectrum of Kingella kingae infections is crucial for timely diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific factors contributing to invasive disease and host susceptibility, particularly in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Four cases of endocarditis due to Kingella kingae are described in compromised patients. All had primary heart disease, and two had systemic lupus erythematosis and congenital heart defect respectively, in addition. Confirmation of Kingella kingae was made in one case at autopsy. The literature on 11 cases of endocarditis, 2 bacteremia, 4 osteomyelitis, 5 septic arthritis and 1 intervertebral disc infection, all caused by Kingella kingae, is reviewed. Our findings confirm that the organism is of low pathogenicity. Children may be predisposed to infection with Kingella kingae.