Kingella

The genus Kingella is distantly related to the family  Neisseriaceae . Three species belong into this genus: Kingella kingae, Kingella denitrificans, Kingella oralis.

Characteristics
Immobile,  'gram-negative' , aerophilic, non-fermenting, pleomorphic (cocobacilli to fibrous forms). It is sensitive to growth conditions and requires enriched culture media (blood agar, chocolate agar). It mimics the growth of 'Neisseria gonorrhoeae' ', but shows a negative catalase reaction.

t forms part of the normal flora of the urogenital system and respiratory tract.

Kingella kingae
Is identified as an infectious agent especially  in young children . It can cause osteomyelitis, bacteremia,  endocarditis, less often causes inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and  meningitis. It forms part of the commensal pharynx flora, from where it can spread to the surrounding area. This occurs mainly in children's groups (kindergartens, etc.).

The course of the disease is mild. Complications have been reported only in endocarditis, risk of embolization, valvular insufficiency, congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, pulmonary infarction, cerebrovascular accident and in severe cases may result in death. A complicated course has been described mostly in the late identification of an etiological agent.

Kingella denitrificans, Kingella oralis
Other species rarely cause endocarditis and eye infections.  Kingella oralis  belongs to the minor bacteria in dental plaque.