Epidemiological study of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in the State of Goias, Brazil, 2007-2009

Abstract

The American cutaneous leishmaniasis is a serious public health problem in many countries. This study aimed to survey descriptive epidemiological characteristics of the disease in the State of Goias between the years 2007 and 2009. This study consisted of retrospective descriptive research based on data reported to and registered in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases. The study showed the distribution of autochthonous cases by municipality, showing the spread of the disease in the state, thus, 1,285 confirmed cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis were reported, from which 848 cases were autochthonous, in 130 municipalities. In 2007, 233 cases were reported in 75 municipalities, in 2008 there were 276 cases in 81 municipalities and in 2009 there were 349 cases in 85 municipalities. These data suggest a slight upward trend of cases and a wide geographical distribution. There was a predominance of cases involving individuals who inhabited urban areas, were male, of mixed race and with less than high school education. The results of this search suggest further investigation of the causes of these infections, thus justifying the importance of this study, since it provides data that may support programs aimed at prevention of this type of infection.