EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF LEISHMANIASIS IN BRAZIL FROM 2018 TO 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, transmitted by the bite of infected sandflies, popularly known as sandflies. Thus, the relevance of understanding the epidemiological profile of leishmaniasis is evident. Objective: To define the epidemiological profile of leishmaniasis in Brazil. Methods: This is a retrospective horizontal epidemiological profile that uses data from datasus for the years 2018 to 2023. Result: 1,615,589 total cases were recorded in the 2018-2023 period. As a result, more cases were observed in the age group from 0 to 24 years old, in which 628,658 total cases were reported. Discussion: The year 2020 had 270,952 cases, which represents a drop in the number of notifications compared to 2019 with 267,454 total cases. When comparing the pandemic period with the post-pandemic period, an increase in the number of notifications was observed. There was possibly underreporting due to the overcrowding of hospitals during the pandemic period. Conclusion: In this sense, it is evident that the overcrowding of hospitals during the pandemic period was a determining factor for the decrease in reported cases as well as hospitalizations for leishmaniasis. The present study aims to inspire future public policies in the fight against leishmaniasis.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.039-031