Spatial distribution and epidemiological profile of leprosy cases in Brazil between 2012 and 2021

Abstract— Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease considered one of the oldest diseases in history, which mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. In Brazil, there is a need to evaluate and characterize the number of leprosy cases, as well as their distribution throughout the national territory. Thus, the present study aimed to carry out an analysis of the spatial distribution and trace the epidemiological profile of leprosy cases in Brazil between the years 2012 and 2021. For this, data available in the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) were collected and analyzed. The variables evaluated were: Gender, Age group (years), race, education, Type of Output, Classification of leprosy and clinical form. The most affected individuals were men (56.92%), aged between 40 and 59 years (37.68%), mixed race/color (57.89%) and elementary school (48.66%). The states of Maranhão, Mato Grosso and Pará had the highest numbers of leprosy cases in Brazil. Fortunately, most patients have progressed to a cure. Based on the clinical form, there was a predominance of the Dimorphic form, followed by the Virchowian form. In turn, in relation to operational classification, most cases were classified as multibacillary. In conclusion, we emphasize that future studies are needed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SINAN notifications and confirm whether the reduction in leprosy cases in Brazil is the result of better public policies or due to underreporting. We also present valuable information from states and strategic groups for health campaigns aimed at combating leprosy.