The growing repertoire of genetic tools for dissecting chlamydial pathogenesis

This is a review of contemporary molecular genetic tools that have been used to dissect the pathogenic properties of obligate intracellular bacteria in the genus Chlamydia. Multiple species of obligate intracellular bacteria in the genus Chlamydia are important veterinary and/or human pathogens. These pathogens all share similar biphasic developmental cycles and transition between intracellular vegetative reticulate bodies and infectious elementary forms, but vary substantially in their host preferences and pathogenic potential. A lack of tools for genetic engineering of these organisms has long been an impediment to the study of their biology and pathogenesis. However, the refinement of approaches developed in C. trachomatis over the last 10 years, and adaptation of some of these approaches to other Chlamydia spp. in just the last few years, has opened exciting new possibilities for studying this ubiquitous group of important pathogens.

Automated summary

Contemporary molecular genetic tools have been used to dissect the pathogenic properties of obligate intracellular bacteria in the genus Chlamydia. These bacteria share similar biphasic developmental cycles but vary in host preferences and pathogenic potential. Recent advancements in genetic engineering methods for C. trachomatis have opened up exciting new possibilities for studying this group of important pathogens.