It is time to have a molecular test for diagnosing <i>Kingella kingae</i> infections in the lab!

The article by S. J. Oyeniran, A. L. Leber and H. Wang (J Clin Microbiol 63:e00986-25, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.00986-25) describes a novel laboratory-developed diagnostic PCR assay that amplifies the gene encoding <i>Kingella kingae</i>'s major outer membrane protein. The test confirmed the prime role of the organism causing skeletal system infections in preschoolers and enabled the administration of targeted antibiotic therapy. It is hoped that a much-needed commercial <i>K. kingae</i>-specific molecular test will soon receive FDA clearance to improve the management of pediatric osteoarticular infections.