Kingella

The genus Kingella is a member of the family Neisseriaceae. Three species belong in this genus: Kingella kingae, Kingella denitrificans, Kingella oralis.

Characteristics
Immobile,  'gram-negative' , aerobic, non-fermenting, pleomorphic (coccobacillary 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 is catalase negative.

It 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, and 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 (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 the etiological agent.

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