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Kingella kingae PCR - Biopsy

Alternate test name

Septic arthritis, osteoarthritis infection, bacteremia, culture negative endocarditis, HACEK

Gene name / Alternate gene name

RTX toxin gene (rtxB)

Lab area
Microbiology - Molecular
Method and equipment

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Specimen type
  • Synovial biopsy
  • Bone biopsy
  • Vegetation (heart valve)
Specimen requirements
  • send in screw top container
Storage and transportation
  • All specimens must be shipped on dry ice.
  • Exception: specimens that arrive at SickKids within 24hrs from time of collection can be shipped on ice packs.
Special requirements

Specimen Sources:

  • Synovial tissue
  • Bone
  • Heart valve or vegetations

 

Background and clinical significance

Kingella kingae is an important cause of septic arthritis in young children. Its fastidious nature makes it difficult to culture. K. kingae is also an important cause of culture negative endocarditis (HACEK group) in children and adults .

Disease condition
  • Septic arthritis
  • Endocarditis
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