Kingella is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the Neisseriaceae family. These bacteria are typically small, non-motile, and oxidase-positive. The name Kingella derives from the bacteriologist Elizabeth Caroline King, who made significant contributions to our understanding of Haemophilus influenzae, a closely related bacterium.
The Kingella genus includes several species, the most well-known being Kingella kingae. Kingella kingae is a commensal and pathogenic bacterium that commonly inhabits the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract of humans. It is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can survive in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. While often harmless, Kingella kingae can cause a range of infections, including endocarditis, septic arthritis, and osteomyelitis, particularly in children.
In clinical settings, Kingella kingae infections are mostly diagnosed by culturing the bacteria from relevant samples, such as joint fluids, blood, or respiratory secretions. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays may also be used for identification. Treatment typically involves the administration of antibiotics, such as beta-lactams or macrolides, tailored to the susceptibility of the specific strain.
Though Kingella kingae is the most clinically relevant species, other Kingella species have been isolated from humans and animals, albeit less frequently. These species, such as Kingella dentrificans and Kingella oralis, are also commensals of the oral cavity and have been associated with rare infections.
