Researchers identify method of mutating chlamydia genes

In order to better understand the physiology of chlamydia and investigate new methods of treating the infection, researchers recently used a method of gene manipulation to study how the bacteria causes human disease, according to a recent study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The technique, called Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes (TILLING), allowed scientists to alter the function of different chlamydia genes and identify specific mutations that decreased the sustainability of the virus in cultured human cells.

The researchers said they believe that TILLING may lead to new medical treatments for chlamydia and related side effects such as blindness, which can occur if these infections are left untreated.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chlamydia is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the U.S. The organization notes that more than 1.2 million cases of infection are reported each year among Americans.

Women account for the majority of chlamydia reports, the CDC explains. Although the STD may not present symptoms, untreated cases may result in pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility, and may be passed from an infected pregnant woman to her baby.