Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae Interaction with the Host: Latest Advances and Future Prospective

Abstract

Research in Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae has gained new traction due to recent advances in molecular biology, namely the widespread use of the metagenomic analysis and the development of a stable genomic transformation system, resulting in a better understanding of Chlamydia pathogenesis. C. trachomatis, the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, is responsible of cervicitis and urethritis, and C. pneumoniae, a widespread respiratory pathogen, has long been associated with several chronic inflammatory diseases with great impact on public health. The present review summarizes the current evidence regarding the complex interplay between C. trachomatis and host defense factors in the genital micro-environment as well as the key findings in chronic inflammatory diseases associated to C. pneumoniae.

Keywords: Chlamydia pneumoniae; Chlamydia trachomatis; host-pathogen interaction.

Figure 1

Schematic representation of Chlamydiae developmental cycle. Infectious elementary body (EB) enters into the host-cell and transforms in the replicative reticulate body (RB); RB re-differentiates into EB, which is released from the host-cell by inclusion extrusion or cell lysis. Exposure to IFN-γ and penicillin G or iron depletion induce Chlamydiae to generate a non-infectious persistent form.