Next-Generation Sequencing for Biodefense: Biothreat Detection, Forensics, and the Clinic.

Background: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is revolutionizing a variety of molecular biology fields including bioforensics, biosurveillance, and infectious disease diagnostics. For pathogen detection, the ability to sequence all nucleic acids in a sample allows near limitless multiplexability, free from a priori knowledge regarding an etiologic agent as is typically required for targeted molecular assays such as real-time PCR. Furthermore, sequencing capabilities can generate in depth genomic information, allowing detailed molecular epidemiological studies and bioforensics analysis, which is critical for source agent identification in a biothreat outbreak.

The Chromosome-Encoded Hypothetical Protein TC0668 Is an Upper Genital Tract Pathogenicity Factor of Chlamydia muridarum.

We previously associated a missense mutation of the tc0668 gene of serial in vitro-passaged Chlamydia muridarum, a murine model of human urogenital C. trachomatis, with severely attenuated disease development in the upper genital tract of female mice. Since these mutants also contained a TC0237 Q117E missense mutation that enhances their in vitro infectivity, an effort was made here to isolate and characterize a tc0668 single mutant to determine its individual contribution to urogenital pathogenicity.

A path forward for the chlamydial virulence factor CPAF.

CPAF is a conserved and secreted protease from obligate intracellular bacteria of the order Chlamydiales. Recently, it was demonstrated that most of its host targets are an artifact of inaccurate methods. This review aims to summarize key features of CPAF and propose new approaches for evaluating its role in chlamydial pathogenesis.