Introduction and Purpose

Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease prevalent worldwide, is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). The lifecycle of this parasite has three stages: the oocyst, bradyzoite (cyst), and tachyzoite. Tachyzoites actively and rapidly invade hosts cells, aided by one of the most prevalent proteins: Granule-1 (GRA-1). This protein is responsible for binding with the calcium released into the lumen of the vacuole and interacting with tissue (Weis and Kami 1995; Lee et al. 2014). Toxoplasmosis can lead to congenital malformation in the intermediate host, abortion, and hydrocephalus (Fusco et al. 2007; Tavassoli et al. 2013).

Worldwide, over 6 billion people have been infected with toxoplasmosis (Klaren and Kijlsstra 2002). The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in humans varies in different countries, with previous studies reporting country-specific prevalence rates of 6.7% in Korea; 12.3% in China; 23.9% in Nigeria; 46.0% in Tanzania, and high prevalence of up to 98.0% in some regions (Glasner et al. 1992; Fromont et al. 2009; Kamani et al. 2009; Shin et al. 2009; Swai and Schoonman 2009; and Xiao et al. 2010). Serological studies in livestock revealed that worldwide the average T. gondii prevalence is 14.0% in cattle; 27.0% in goats; 25.0% in pigs; 66.0% in sheep; and 44.0% in horses (Tenter et al. 2000). In Indonesia, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in livestock has been estimated as 8.8% in cattle, 51.0% in goats, and 45.0% in sheep (Artama et al. 2007). The prevalence of human toxoplasmosis in Indonesia for humans has been reported from 43 to 88% in some regions (Subekti et al. 2006).

Transmission of toxoplasmosis can occur through two mechanisms: vertically from mother to fetus and horizontally through the consumption of undercooked meat, contaminated milk, and raw vegetables, and also in the case of transplants and accidents in laboratory (Fusco et al. 2007; Gangneux and Marie, 2012; Uttah et al. 2013; and Wing 2016). Members of the family Felidae (domestic cats) are the definitive hosts; however, many mammals (live stocks and humans), birds, and fishes are intermediate hosts (Gilot-Fromont et al. 2012; Webster et al. 2013). A single cat can shed more than 100 million oocysts in prepatent period about 18 days. In order for these oocysts to become infectious, they must undergo sporulation, which can take more than 4 days and occurs in environments with high humidity and a low temperature. Oocysts can survive outdoors for many months, remain viable for long periods of time in water, and resist freezing and moderately high water temperatures. Tissue cysts in meat are usually destroyed by heating to 67°C. The survival of tissue cysts at lower temperatures depends on the duration of cooking (Tenter et al. 2000).

Country-specific environmental conditions, eating habits, hygiene, and host susceptibility all contribute to global differences in the prevalence of toxoplasmosis (Furtado et al. 2011). Indonesia has a tropical climate, providing suitable conditions for gardening and farming, increasing human contact with soil and livestock, as well as the possibility of increasing contact with raw meat. Additionally, it is common to consume goat, sheep, beef, chicken, and rabbit satay, potentially with undercooked meat and raw vegetables. In a multicenter study in Europe, meat consumption was estimated to be responsible for between 30.0 and 63.0% of toxoplasmosis cases, while soil contact was identified as the cause of between 6.0 and 17.0% of cases (Gangneux and Marie 2012).

Health and disease are increasingly understood as the product of interrelated ecological, cultural, social, and economic situations (Blazkuez et al. 2014). Socio-demographic status, lifestyle, and environment are risk factors for toxoplasmosis; therefore, interdisciplinary collaborative research is essential to reduce the risk of transmission. EcoHealth is one of several integrative approaches that considers interactions between health and the environment, making it an ideal approach for researching a zoonosis such as toxoplasmosis.

Previous research on toxoplasmosis has identified high-risk geographical areas; however, further investigation using spatial techniques will achieve more accurate identification of high-risk locations, which can be used to improve strategies to prevent the spread of this disease. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have been applied in several situations, including surveillance and monitoring of diseases (Jores et al. 2008), disease cluster detection (Miller et al. 2004), identification of environmental predictors of disease in wildlife populations (Miller et al. 2002), risk assessments (Hung et al. 2004, 2007), and modeling the spread and impact of disease (Norman 2008). In the present study, the use of GIS, combined with a seroprevalence study and risk factor questionnaire, demonstrates a true EcoHealth approach, which is essential when researching diseases, such as toxoplasmosis, where animal hosts, human lifestyle, and environmental factors are all involved in transmission. The use of GIS will aid in the identification of high-risk locations, enabling public health interventions to be targeted at specific populations in Middle Java. This system was constructed utilizing the administrative boundaries (at provincial and municipal levels) of the Campania region with toxoplasmosis cases (Fusco et al. 2007).

Using an EcoHealth approach, this study aims to determine the seroprevalence and spatial distribution of toxoplasmosis in Middle Java, and identify factors associated with the occurrence of toxoplasmosis.

Methods

Setting and Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014 in seven districts in Middle Java that were divided into three clusters: Cluster 1 (Purworejo and Kebumen); Cluster 2 (Cilacap and Banyumas); and Cluster 3 (Purbalingga, Banjarnegara and Wonosobo). The distribution of the sample was determined based on geographical location and topography of the region. The districts were chosen to be representative of the Middle Java region. The required sample size was calculated to be 588 with 10% non-response rate; a rounded-up sample size of 630 respondents recruited. It was calculated using proportional sample size as follows:

$$ {\text{Sample}}\,{\text{size}} = \frac{{Z_{{1 - \alpha /2^{2} }} p(1 - p)}}{{d^{2} }} $$

Here Z 1−α/2 is the Standard normal variation [at 5% type error (P < 0.05)], P is Expected proportion in population based on previous studies or pilot studies, and d is the Absolute error or precision (has to be decided by researcher)

(Charan and Tamoghna 2013)

According to previously published studies, using a toxoplasmosis estimate of 15% and assuming a 95% confidence interval, sampling was performed using a multistage cluster sampling method. In the first stage, the selection of the research clusters (districts) and sub-clusters (subdistrict, village, and subvillage) was performed based on probability proportionate to size (PPS). In the second stage, households were randomly selected in each district using a simple random sampling technique (Rosen 1997; United Nations 2005). Participants were approached by the community leader and research team, and they were asked if they wanted to participate in the study. Informed consent was sought from all participants prior to enrolment in the study. Blood samples were collected from participants by venipuncture using sterile syringes and transferred into serum separator tubes. The tubes were labeled and transported to the laboratory in thermic bags at 2–8°C.

Survey Design

In addition, a questionnaire was completed by all respondents that included demographics, diet (consumption of undercooked meat, raw vegetables, and raw water), daily activity (interaction with cats, contact with raw meat, and daily contact with soil), and local environment (water resource, temperature, elevation, distance from river, humidity, and population of cats). The cat population in square kilometer was considered to be of lower density if the population was less than 15, and higher density if the population was more than 15.

Serum Collection and Testing

A sample of up to 3cc of blood was obtained from each participant. Blood samples were stored overnight in the refrigerator at 4°C. The serum was separated from the blood and transferred to eppendorf tubes to measure IgM and IgG. Serum was stored in a freezer at −20°C. Serum samples were screened for T. gondii using an indirect ELISA (Rahbari et al. 2012), using the recombinant GRA-1 tachyzoite antigen (Sulistyaningsih et al. 2005).

Spatial Data Collection

GIS software (ArcGIS 10.1) produced by ESRI was used to map the spatial distribution of T. gondii. The administrative map was provided by the Center for Research, Promotion and Cooperation Geospatial Information Agency (http://www.bakosurtanal.go.id/peta-rupabumi/); the watershed map was provided by the Center for Data Processing Ministry of Public Works and Public Housings (http://sigi.pu.go.id/); and the topography map was provided by the United States Geological Survey (.srtm format). The household’s distance from the river was collected from interview data and generated using Google Earth produced by Google. Environmental data, such as temperature, were collected using digital readings in field. Spatial distribution was visualized using overlay (ESRI 2001), which combines digital maps with attribute data.

Statistical Analysis

A chi-square test (bivariate test) from SPSS Statistic 22 produced by IBM was used to determine factors associated with the seroprevalence of T. gondii. Statistical significance was set at a value of P < 0.05.

Results

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Middle Java

All participants were notified prior to the household visit and only one respondent (between the ages of 15–60) per household was interviewed and asked to provide a blood sample. A total of 630 samples were collected from the surveyed households in Middle Java. The results identified the prevalence of toxoplasmosis was (n = 394; 62.5%) (Table 1). Thirty-nine respondents (9.9%) were seropositive for IgG and IgM, with the remaining respondents (n = 355/394; 90.1%) being seropositive for IgG (Table 2).

Table 1 Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis Based on IgG and IgM Anti-toxoplasma Examination by ELISA Using GRA-1 Tachyzoite Local Isolate Recombinant Proteins of T. gondii in Middle Java, 2014.
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Table 2 Results of IgG and IgM Anti-toxoplasma Examination in Middle Java, 2014.
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Risk Factors for Toxoplasmosis in Middle Java

Several risk factors for toxoplasmosis in Middle Java were identified (Table 3). The greatest risk was presented by an elevation at or under 200 m, compared with an elevation over 200 m (CI = 27.65–114.23; OR = 56.19; P < 0.001). Respondents whose daily work or other activities included direct contact with raw meat were at increased risk compared with those who did not have regular contact with raw meat (CI = 1.27–2.47; OR = 1.77; P = 0.001). The risk of toxoplasmosis was also higher for respondents who did not filter their water (CI = 1.22–2.49; OR = 1.74; P = 0.003), and for those who lived in an area with a high population of cats (CI = 1.02–1.98; OR = 1.42; P = 0.045).

Table 3 Risk Factors for Toxoplasmosis in a Sample of 630 People in Middle Java, 2014.
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Risk factors for toxoplasmosis varied depending on geographical location; each district presented different risks (Fig. 1; Table 4). The districts at a higher elevation, Wonosobo and Banjarnegara, had no cases of toxoplasmosis (Fig. 2). Purworejo, Kebumen, Banyumas, Purbalingga, Banjarnegara, and Wonosobo districts had the highest proportion of respondents who did not use filtered water, ranging from 91.4% in Kebumen to 55.7% in Purbalingga (Table 4). The highest proportion of respondents who reported the population of cats in their district was high are Purworejo (58.6%) and Kebumen (52.9%). Purworejo, Kebumen, Banyumas, Purbalingga, and Wonosobo districts reported as the largest proportions of respondents with high rates of contact with raw meat during their daily work or other activities, ranging from 75.0% in Kebumen to 57.1% in Purbalingga (Table 4). Additionally, 570 respondents (90.5%) did not use gloves when handling raw meat.

Figure 1
figure 1

Spatial distribution of toxoplasmosis based on administration boundaries in Middle Java, Indonesia 2014.

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Table 4 Percentage of Toxoplasmosis Risk Factors in Each District of Middle Java.
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Figure 2
figure 2

Correlation of toxoplasmosis with elevation on watershed’s Middle Java, Indonesia 2014.

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Spatial Distribution of Toxoplasmosis in Middle Java

The spatial distribution of toxoplasmosis combined with elevation is illustrated in Fig. 1 and with the watershed in Fig. 2. The lowland districts of Purworejo, Kebumen, and Banyumas had predominantly chronic toxoplasmosis infections, IgG (+) and IgM (−), illustrated in yellow on the map. Recent infection with toxoplasmosis, (IgG (+) and IgM (+), is represented by red (Figs. 1, 2). Cilacap (a lowland district) and Purbalingga (a highland district) had predominantly chronic infections or negative samples, IgG (−) and IgM (−), shown in green. Districts with no positive samples, Banjarnegara and Wonosobo, are located in mountainous or hilly locations, over 500 m.

This study was conducted in the watershed regions of Serayu, Tipar, Lukulo, and Bogowonto (Fig. 2). Tipar, Lukulo, and Bogowonto have a similar seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis. Within the Serayu watershed, there were two distinct groups of cases, with no cases upstream of Serayu (Wonosobo and Banjarnegara districts). Cases of toxoplasmosis were identified in Purbalingga and downstream from the river in Cilacap.

Discussion

In this study, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis was greater in the lowlands as compared with the highland districts of Middle Java, Indonesia. One possible explanation could be the contamination of water sources from drifting soil, in the event of flooding or heavy rain, transporting oocysts from high to low ground, thus increasing the prevalence of oocysts in low-lying areas (Iskandar 1999).

Wonosobo and Banjarnegara had no cases of toxoplasmosis in this study. These are highland districts, with mountainous terrain, which may also affect the distribution of cats. As the cat is the definitive host of T. gondii, (Tavassoli et al. 2013), fewer cats in the environment will reduce the risk of transmission to the environment and livestock, thereby reducing the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in the local population.

Daily contact with raw meat was also identified as a risk factor for toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis can occur during the transmission of T. gondii via the blood through a wound (CCOHS 2011). Daily contact with raw meat from infected animals increases the possibility of contact with tissue cysts, particularly if no protective equipment, such as gloves, is worn. Additionally, tissue cysts may be ingested during hand-to-mouth contact after handling undercooked meat, or from using knives, utensils, or cutting boards contaminated by raw meat (CDC 2004). This will also increase the risk of transmission in people who have regular contact with raw meat.

Consumption of unfiltered water was also identified as a risk factor for toxoplasmosis. Respondents who used non-filtered water were at increased risk of toxoplasmosis compared with those using a filtered water source. Consumption of unfiltered water was associated with water sources such as rivers, wells, and reservoirs. Oocysts can be transported via rivers and water during periods of heavy rain. Water is not just used for human consumption, but also for washing vegetables and as drinking water for livestock. The majority of respondents in Cilacap used filtered water. Cilacap is near the coast and because of the potential seawater contamination of water sources in this district, the use of filtered water is more widespread compared with other districts in Middle Java. This may be one factor leading to minimal cases of toxoplasmosis in several locations in Cilacap. Water is filtered using chlorine to reduce bacteria and parasites. Oocysts cannot survive for long in cold water conditions or in warm water with high levels of chlorination, UV, and ozone treatment (Wainwraight et al. 2007; Gangneux and Marie 2012).

This study identified a relationship between the population of cats and toxoplasmosis cases; people living in districts with high density of cats, Purworejo and Kebumen, were at increased risk of toxoplasmosis compared with those living in districts with low density of cats. Middle Java in general has a relatively small cat population, which varies in each district. A small number of cats do not necessarily indicate there is no risk of infection in that location. Cat feces take a long time to decay (Gangneux and Marie 2012), and during that time thousands of oocysts can develop (Ishaku et al. 2009).

In the surveyed population, men were at increased risk of infection compared with women. This could be associated with the differing roles of men and women in Middle Java; male-dominated professions, such as farming and meat production, will increase the risk of contact with contaminated meat, as well as increasing the risk of environmental exposure through spending long periods of time outdoors or in high-risk areas.

Conclusion

This study highlighted the high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in Middle Java, and identified some important environmental, ecological, and demographic risk factors. Low elevation, contact with raw meat, unfiltered water sources, and the high density of cats are supposed to be risk factors of toxoplasmosis in Middle Java. Modifiable risk factors, such as unfiltered water sources and direct contact with raw meat, are relatively straightforward to address by encouraging people to use filtered water and wear protective clothing, such as gloves, when handling raw meat. The oocyst from infected cats will be transmitted to the environment through water shed and flooding and distributed from high land to low-lying areas.