EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH AMERICAN TEGUMENTARY LEISHMANIASIS IN THE SOUTHERN STATES OF BRAZIL BETWEEN 2014 AND 2022

Abstract

This article aim to analyze the epidemiological profile of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) in the southern region of Brazil, highlighting factors of prevalence, evolution and determining factors to subsidize public policies and health strategies. This is a descriptive, quantitative and retrospective study, based on the analysis of secondary data extracted from the Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH/SUS), made available by the Departamento de Informática do SUS (DATASUS). Between 2014 and 2022, ATL in southern Brazil registered 2,826 cases, predominantly in PR (89.38%), followed by SC (7.46%) and RS (3.16%). Men (76.64%) and white people (75.93%) were the most affected. The majority of cases were cured (59.2%), although the death rate (0.35%) exceeded the national average (0.18%). The cutaneous form predominated (84%), with a higher incidence among adults aged 40-59 (37.68%). ATL is prevalent in southern Brazil, with a greater impact in Paraná, in white men aged 40-59. Despite the high cure rate, the mortality related to ATL, wich is above the national average, calls for better surveillance, diagnosis and education.