Investigators, led by Joanne Engel, from University of California San Francisco have discovered a new method in which chlamydia trachomatis fools host cells into taking up the bacteria. The findings are published October 6th in the Open Access journal PLoS Pathogens.

Dr. Engel and team demonstrated that Chlamydia disguises itself with a growth factor produced by the cells of the organism it is infecting, this allows Chlamydia to infect cells, similar to a Trojan horse.

Once inside the organism, the bacteria activate the host cell to produce more of the growth factor, allowing Chlamydia to disguise itself more and infect other cells, thus creating a positive feedback loop which enhances the spread and infection of the bacteria.

Pap smear showing clamydia in the vacuoles 500x H&E
Pap smear showing C. trachomatis (H&E stain)

In developing countries Chlamydia trachomatis is the primary cause of non-congenital blindness, in Western countries the bacterium is the most prevalent cause of sexually transmitted disease and non-congenital infertility.

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of the host-pathogen interactions of this bacterial infection will help in the creation of new treatments, diagnostics, and prevention plans.

Written by Grace Rattue