EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS IN BRAZIL: ANALYSIS OF THE 2010–2024 HISTORICAL SERIES

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological profile of VL in Brazil between 2010 and 2024, focusing on temporal trends, regional distribution, case-fatality rate, and age groups. Methods: This was an ecological, descriptive, time-series study based on secondary data from SINAN/DATASUS. Results: A decreasing trend of 6.42% per year (95% CI: −10.42% to −2.24%; p=0.006) in VL cases was observed in Brazil during the study period. Conversely, the case-fatality rate increased from 7.89% to 12.75% over the period. The Northeast Region accounted for 54.6% of all cases. Children under 10 years of age accounted for 37.9% of cases, while adults aged 20 to 59 years accounted for 43.9%. Conclusion: The reduction in VL transmission was not accompanied by an equivalent improvement in case-fatality rates, suggesting weaknesses in the early diagnosis and treatment of remaining cases.