EPIDEMIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION OF VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS CASES IN THE SOUTHEAST, 2018 TO 2022

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan of the genus Leishmania, mainly affecting internal organs such as the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. This condition represents a significant public health challenge in various parts of the world, especially in regions with tropical and subtropical climates. This study aims to analyze the incidence of new cases of visceral leishmaniasis in the states of the Southeast region of Brazil, during the period from 2015 to 2022. For this purpose, data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) of the Department of Health Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) are used for tabulation and analysis of the disease's behavior in the region. The analysis is not limited to the absolute number of cases but also includes the incidence and prevalence rate per 100,000 inhabitants, allowing for a more precise comparison between the evaluated states: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Espírito Santo. Additionally, sociodemographic characteristics of patients, such as age and race/ethnicity, are explored to identify groups at higher vulnerability to the disease. Thus, this study aims to understand the geographical and temporal distribution of visceral leishmaniasis in the Southeast region during the evaluated period, as well as to identify possible factors associated with the increase or decrease of cases.