First identification of the Africa 4 genotype of Toxoplasma gondii in Algeria: Investigation of its origin and rarity.

Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is widely distributed worldwide. Although it generally remains asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, it can lead to severe complications in immunocompromised patients, particularly those infected with HIV. These individuals are at increased risk of developing encephalitis, primarily due to the reactivation of a latent infection. Genotyping of T. gondii in humans is an essential tool for studying the epidemiology of this parasitosis. Previous studies have identified three main archetypal (classical) lineages or genotypes: type I, II, and III, as well as strains that show distinct and broader genetic variations. In this study, we report for the first time in Algeria the isolation and genetic characterization of the Africa 4 lineage of Toxoplasma gondii using microsatellites genotyping in an HIV-positive patient. This recently described clonal lineage in animal and human highlights the genetic diversity of T. gondii. This work underscores the need for studies to explore the prevalence and distribution of genotypes in the Maghreb region.