PREVALENCE OF PAUCIBACILLARY AND MULTIBACILLARY LEPROSY CASES IN THE STATE OF PARÁ BETWEEN THE YEARS 2018 AND 2024.

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, characterized by involvement of the skin and peripheral nerves. It remains an important public health problem in Brazil, especially in regions with greater social inequalities, with the state of Pará standing out as an endemic area. Objective: To analyze the prevalence of leprosy in the state of Pará, as well as the distribution of cases into paucibacillary and multibacillary forms and by sex, from 2018 to 2024. Method: This is an observational, retrospective, and descriptive study based on secondary data obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) through the DATASUS/TABNET platform. The variables analyzed included the total number of cases, operational classification, and sex. Results and discussion: A higher number of cases was observed in 2018 and 2019, with a prevalence of approximately 40 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. From 2020 onwards, there was a reduction to about 25 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with relative stability until 2024, possibly related to decreased epidemiological surveillance and reduced access to health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. A predominance of the paucibacillary form was observed in the first two years, followed by a predominance of the multibacillary form from 2020 onwards, suggesting delayed diagnosis and continued active transmission. In addition, a predominance of cases among males was identified, with an approximate male-to-female ratio of 2:1, possibly associated with behavioral factors and lower use of health services by men. Conclusion: Leprosy remains an important health problem in the state of Pará, highlighting the need to strengthen surveillance actions, active case finding, early diagnosis, and contact follow-up, as well as public policies addressing the social determinants of health in order to reduce transmission and prevent disabilities.