Epidemiological analysis of leprosy in Brazil in the past 10 years

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy is an infectious and chronic disease caused by mycobacterium leprae. Despite the great worldwide progress after the introduction of multidrug therapy (MDT), leprosy is still considered a major public health problem. The analysis of epidemiological data is important for the implementation of public health policies that allow for breaking the cycle of leprosy transmission and facilitating early diagnosis. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive epidemiological study. Data were obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), the official information system for leprosy in the country. Results: During this period, 338,904 cases of leprosy were reported. The northeast region, the one with the most cases, is considered the poorest in the country, with many inhabitants in an unfavorable socioeconomic situation. The majority of multibacillary (MB) patients were associated with late diagnosis, and therefore it maintains the transmission and worsens neurological damage. Discussion: The probability of occurrence and reactivation of leprosy was higher in patients with a low level of education, as this class has a low level of knowledge. Conclusion: Leprosy has a long incubation period, which increases in adult and elderly cases. Despite the improvements in leprosy control, the disease persists as a public health problem.

Keywords

• Leprosy. <i>Mycobacterium leprae</i>. Epidemiology.