The obligate intracellular bacteriumCoxiella burnetii causes both acute and chronic zoonotic infections. Here, Samuel and colleagues discuss the recent technological advances that have facilitated a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of C. burnetiipathogenesis, including host cell invasion and modulation by virulence factors exported through the type IV Dot/Icm secretion system.
- Erin J. van Schaik
- Chen Chen
- James E. Samuel