Kingella

name Kingella spp.
family Neisseriaceae
genus Kingella
morphology G− pleomorphic rod
relation to oxygen aerobe
cultivation blood agar, chocolate agar
occurrence commensal organism of the urogenital system and respiratory tract
disease osteomyelitis, endocarditis, bacteremia, respiratory tract inflammation...
therapy most commonly used ATBs

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.


Bibliography

  • VOTAVA, Miroslav, et al. Lékařská mikrobiologie speciální. 1. edition. Brno : Neptun, 2003. pp. 495. ISBN 80-902896-6-5.