Model: Rab10-positive TGN vesicles are delivered into the ApV lumen and their association with replicative A. phagocytophilum RC organisms is a precursor for the bacteria to develop into the infectious DC form to complete the infection cycle. Between 12 and 16 h post-infection, after A. phagocytophilum has converted from the DC to RC form, the ApV has positioned itself in close proximity to the Golgi apparatus. By 24 h, the ApV has begun to intercept TGN-derived vesicles, which cross the AVM into the ApV lumen and associate with intravacuolar A. phagocytophilum RC organisms. TGN vesicle delivery into the ApV lumen and A. phagocytophilum association with TGN vesicles occurs around 28 h. Between 28 and 32 h, Rab10-positive TGN vesicle delivery into the ApV and association with intralumenal bacteria has waned considerably. Coincident with this phenomenon, TGN vesicle-negative A. phagocytophilum organisms have transitioned from the RC to DC form.