Is it possible to consider the control of human Visceral Leishmaniasis from the perspective of Biomimetics?

Abstract

As an insidious disease, Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL), is considered a serious public health issue that affects Brazil in almost its totality. This study evaluated the endemicity of VL in municipalities in the State of Minas Gerais in a historical series from the perspective of Biomimetics Science. A retrospective analysis was carried out between 2010 and 2019 of VL cases registered in the National System of Reported Diseases (Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação - SINAN). In the studied period, 4.834 cases of the disease were reported in Minas Gerais. The cities of Belo Horizonte and Montes Claros were identified as the locations with the most expressive numbers of cases. The absence or reduced endemicity of the disease in the west and extreme south of the state of Minas Gerais was detected in the period analyzed. It is suggested that, over the time, there are areas that control the transmission of the disease by itself. Considering the principle of biomimetics, it would be important to identify that in these areas without the disease, which elements can be learned from nature to direct LV control actions.

Keywords

• visceral leishmaniasis
• biomimetics
• endemicity
• minas gerais
• brazil