Toxoplasma and Africa: One Parasite, Two Opposite Population Structures

Lokman Galal (1) , Daniel Ajzenberg (1, 2) , Azra Hamidović (1) , Marie-Fleur Durieux (2) , Marie-Laure Dardé (1, 2, 3) , Aurélien Mercier (1, 3)

1 NET - Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale
2 Service de Parasitologie Mycologie [CHU Limoges]
3 CNR Toxoplasmose-Toxoplasma BRC - Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center (BRC)

Exploring the genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii is essential for an understanding of its worldwide distribution and the determinants of its evolution. Africa remains one of the least studied areas of the world regarding T. gondii genetic diversity. This review has compiled published data on T. gondii strains from Africa to generate a comprehensive map of their continent-wide geographical distribution. The emerging picture about T. gondii strain distribution in Africa suggests a geographical separation of the parasite populations across the continent. We discuss the potential role of a number of factors in shaping this structure. We finally suggest the next steps towards a better understanding of Toxoplasma epidemiology in Africa in light of the strains circulating on this continent.

Mots clés: Toxoplasma gondii; genetic diversity; population structure; Africa

Domaines: Biodiversité et Ecologie; Parasitologie; Santé publique et épidémiologie

Lokman Galal, Daniel Ajzenberg, Azra Hamidović, Marie-Fleur Durieux, Marie-Laure Dardé, et al.. Toxoplasma and Africa: One Parasite, Two Opposite Population Structures. Trends in Parasitology, 2018, 34 (2), pp.140-154. ⟨10.1016/j.pt.2017.10.010⟩. ⟨hal-01646804⟩