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 …