A new core-genome MLST approach for Chlamydia trachomatis genomic surveillance and research.

A new core-genome MLST system for Chlamydia trachomatis accurately recapitulates major lineages and enables global phylogenomic tracking with 846 loci.

• Why it matters: Standardized genomic surveillance of C. trachomatis is limited by technical challenges and lack of consistent typing frameworks, hindering strain tracking and understanding of its evolution.
• What they did: Researchers compiled 1230 genomes from 26 countries to develop and benchmark a cgMLST system with high typeability and congruence to existing methods, facilitating detailed phylogenomic analysis.
• The result: The cgMLST schema reveals intra-lineage diversity, genome-wide recombination patterns, and lineage-specific alleles, supporting harmonized genogroup tracking and functional insights across laboratories worldwide.