Estudo Epidemiológico da Esquistossomose no Brasil

Abstract

Schistosomiasis, caused by the helminth Schistossoma mansoni, is a neglected endemic Brazilian disease associated with poor hygiene, sanitation and access to drinking water. The Schistosomiasis Control Program has implemented actions to reduce morbidity and mortality, and the severity of the disease, but its transmission remains active in the most deprived regions. Objective: the research aimed to carry out an epidemiological analysis of the occurrence of Schistossomiasis in Brazil, from 2014 to 2023.  Methodology: a descriptive, coss-sectional, and quantitative study was conducted using information available from the National System of Notifiable Diseases (SINAN), in DATASUS. The variables analyzed were: year of notification, geographic region, age group, gender and outcome. Results: From 2014 to 2020, there was a steady decrease in the number of cases, with 2020 recording the lowest number. From 2021 onwards, the number of cases rose slightly, and more sharply in 2022 and 20223.  The region with the highest number of cases was Southeast, which may be associated with weather and rainfall patterns. Meanwhile, the Northeast region led the number of hospitalizations. Schistosomiasis is more prevalent among men, especially those aged between 20 and 59. The vast majority of schistosomiasis patients are cured, and the proportion of cures/sick patients remains stable, but with a slight downward trend. The number of people who die from the disease is relatively low, but the mortality rate has increased slightly but steadily over the years. Final considerations: the situation of Schistosomiasis in Brazil has shown evolution, with a constant decrease between 2014 and 2020. It is more prevalent among economically active people (men between 20 and 39 years old) and in specific regions in Brazil. The increase in the death rate over the years indicates the persistence  of inequalities that make it difficult to resolve that problem and call for more effective measures to eliminate it.