EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF LEPROSY IN NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL BETWEEN 2021 AND 2025

Abstract

This article aimed to evaluate the epidemiological profile of leprosy in Northeast Brazil from 2021 to 2025. It is an ecological epidemiological study, whose data were collected from SINAN/DATASUS, using the following variables: sex, race/ethnicity, age group, and number of lesions present at the time of diagnosis. The Northeast region presented 56,686 new cases of leprosy during the analyzed period. A higher prevalence was noted in males, mixed-race individuals, adolescents/adults (over 15 years old), and those with five or more skin lesions (multibacillary form). Thus, it is concluded that the Northeast region still presents a high incidence of newly diagnosed cases compared to the data obtained in the rest of the country, with men, those over 15 years old, and those of mixed race being the most affected by this disease.