Visceral leishmaniasis in Maranhão: profile of cases reported between 2013 and 2022

Abstract

Introduction: Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe protozoal disease transmitted primarily by the bite of phlebotomine sandflies, representing a significant public health issue. Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of VL cases reported in Maranhão over a 10-year period (2013–2022). Methodology: A descriptive epidemiological study using secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (Sinan); morbidity was assessed via the Annual Incidence Rate (IR) per 100,000 inhabitants. Results: 5,581 VL cases were recorded; the IR fluctuated during the period, peaking in 2017 (11.33/100,000 inhabitants) and reaching its lowest level in 2021 (4.17/100,000 inhabitants). Cases predominantly affected males (66.10%), individuals of mixed race/ethnicity (77.10%), and the 0–4 age group (42.41%). VL-HIV coinfection was present in 12.29% of cases. Laboratory criteria confirmed 82.12% of diagnoses; 64.07% of cases resulted in cure, while the case-fatality rate for VL was 7.49%. Conclusion: VL disproportionately affects preschool-aged children and men, presenting a significant HIV coinfection rate and a notable case-fatality rate in the state. These findings provide a basis for targeting surveillance and control actions toward vulnerable groups.

Key words: leishmaniasis, visceral; epidemiology; epidemiological profile; incidence; disease notification.