From the Guidelines
Elizabeth kingea is not a recognized medical condition, but it appears to be a misspelling of Kingella, a genus of bacteria that can cause infections in humans, particularly endocarditis, which is typically treated with ceftriaxone or other third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins 1.
Context and Relevance
The term "Elizabeth kingea" does not correspond to any established medical term, condition, or medication. However, considering the possibility that it might be a misspelling or confusion with "Kingella," a genus of bacteria, it's essential to address the potential implications in a medical context. Kingella species, including Kingella kingae, are part of the HACEK group of microorganisms, which are known to cause infective endocarditis, a serious infection of the heart valves.
Medical Implications and Treatment
Infective endocarditis caused by the HACEK group, including Kingella species, accounts for approximately 5% to 10% of community-acquired native valve endocarditis in patients who are not intravenous drug users 1. These microorganisms are typically slow-growing and may require prolonged incubation for recovery in blood culture media. The presence of bacteremia caused by HACEK microorganisms without an obvious focus of infection is highly suggestive of endocarditis, even in the absence of typical physical findings.
Treatment Recommendations
The recommended treatment for HACEK endocarditis, including infections caused by Kingella species, is ceftriaxone or other third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins 1. This recommendation is based on the susceptibility of HACEK microorganisms to these antibiotics. Although ampicillin was once considered effective, the emergence of β-lactamase–producing strains and difficulties in antimicrobial susceptibility testing have led to the preference for ceftriaxone. In cases where ceftriaxone cannot be used, alternative treatments may include fluoroquinolones or ampicillin-sulbactam, but these should be considered under the guidance of an infectious diseases specialist due to potential resistance issues and limited clinical experience.
Conclusion is not allowed, so the answer just ends here.
From the Research
Overview of Kingella kingae
- Kingella kingae is a bacterium that colonizes the upper respiratory tract 2, 3
- It can cause bone and joint infections, mainly in children under five years 2, 4, 3
- K. kingae is considered an emerging pathogen in osteoarticular infection in pediatric patients 2
Clinical Presentation
- Infections can present with mild to moderate clinical signs and symptoms, such as fever and joint pain 4, 5, 3
- Diseases due to K. kingae can be accompanied by slightly altered laboratory data 3
- Invasive infections can involve joints, bone, endocardium, and other localizations 4, 5, 6, 3
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis can be made through microbiological culture, blood cultures, and molecular-based diagnostics 2, 4, 6, 3
- K. kingae is susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics, such as ceftaroline, ceftriaxone, and ampicillin-sulbactam 4, 6
- Treatment with antibiotics can lead to favorable outcomes, but resistant strains have been reported 4, 6, 3
Epidemiology and Transmission
- K. kingae is a common colonizer of the oropharynx and can be transmitted from child to child 3
- Invasive infections almost exclusively occur in children aged between six months and four years of age 3
- Outbreaks of infection can occur, highlighting the need for education and awareness among pediatricians and laboratory personnel 3