An Overview of Zoonotic Chlamydial Species
Résumé
Chlamydiaceae is a family of obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria known to infect both humans and animals, with significant zoonotic potential demonstrated by species such as Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia abortus. C. psittaci, prevalent in birds, is responsible for psittacosis, which can affect humans primarily through respiratory transmission, while C. abortus causes ovine chlamydiosis, leading to reproductive failure in livestock and posing risks to pregnant women. Other species, like C. pneumoniae and C. trachomatis, are associated with respiratory and sexually transmitted infections in humans. Chlamydiaceae exhibit a biphasic life cycle involving elementary and reticulate bodies, enabling adaptation to host environments. The infections often remain asymptomatic, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Current treatment options include antibiotics like tetracyclines and macrolides. Efforts towards vaccine development have identified Major Outer Membrane Protein (MOMP) as a promising target, and an mRNA vaccine candidate is in advanced stages. With increasing urbanization and close interactions between humans and animals, a “One Health” approach is essential for managing chlamydial infections, recognizing their impact on human health, animal welfare, and environmental factors. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to mitigate risks associated with chlamydial infections and improve public health outcomes.