Indicadores epidemiológicos e distribuição da hanseníase em Sergipe de 2013 a 2017

Abstract

Introduction: leprosy is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that mainly promotes skin lesions and nerve impairment. Due to its high potential of generating physical disabilities, studying epidemiological indicators is imperative in order to monitor the quality of health service, as well as the disease’s severity in the country. Epidemiological studies regarding leprosy in the state of Sergipe are scarce. Objective: Therefore, the objectives of the study are to describe spatial distribution of leprosy in Sergipe and detect cities with higher risks of disease transmission. Methods: In order to do so, a time series, ecological study was carried out through DATASUS’ data, from 2013 to 2017. Results and Discussion: 1763 cases were detected in the state during the period of the study, declining through the years, in a similar manner to which leprosy’s been declining in Brazil. However, around half the municipalities in the state present high, very high, or hyperendemic incidence rates in all years studied. Overall, the worse detection rates are in Sertão and Agreste regions of Sergipe, worsening as it gets further away from the coast. Some municipalities with detection rates of zero border with hyperendemic localities, which suggests important underreporting in certain cities. Regarding detecion rates in children (age below 15 years old), it was not observed any region with sustained high rates and the number of cities with medium or high rates declined over the years. As to the coefficient of detection of new cases with grade 2 disability at the time of diagnosis, as well as number of nerve lesions: these either aggravated or kept constant along the period studied. This could indicate a hidden endemic or flaws in active search of patients. Conclusion: This analysis demonstrates greater burden of disease in the Sertão and Agreste regions of Sergipe. However, due to divergence of results from the studied rates, underreporting should be considered an obstacle in the way of accurate evaluation of leprosy in the state.