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Visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil: trends and challenges
Ana Nilce Silveira Maia-Elkhoury1, Waneska A Alves, Márcia Leite de Sousa-Gomes
1Departamento de Vigilância Epidemiológica, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, Brasil. ana.elkhoury@saude.gov.br
Cadernos De Saude Publica
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Urbanization is driving visceral leishmaniasis spread in Brazil, with cases rising outside the Northeast. Environmental changes and vector adaptation challenge control efforts.
Area of Science:
- * Veterinary Public Health
- * Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- * Environmental Health
Background:
- * Urbanization of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil is linked to environmental shifts, migration, and vector adaptation.
- * The sandfly vector, Lutzomyia longipalpis, has adapted to peridomiciliary environments, increasing transmission risk.
- * Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases have significantly increased nationwide, particularly spreading from the Northeast region.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To analyze the epidemiological trends and geographical spread of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil.
- * To identify factors contributing to the urbanization and dissemination of VL.
- * To highlight challenges and ongoing research in VL surveillance and control.
Main Methods:
- * Analysis of national visceral leishmaniasis case data from 1980 to 2005.
- * Examination of geographical distribution and regional case proportions over time.
- * Review of contributing factors including environmental changes, migration, and vector behavior.
Main Results:
- * Brazil recorded 59,129 VL cases between 1980 and 2005, with 82.5% in the Northeast.
- * Cases in other regions increased from 15% in 1998 to 44% in 2005.
- * Indigenous cases were reported in 1,904 municipalities (34.2%) between 1998 and 2005.
Conclusions:
- * Visceral leishmaniasis is increasingly urbanizing and spreading across Brazil, posing significant public health challenges.
- * Effective control requires better understanding of vector behavior in urban settings and cost-effective strategies.
- * Ongoing research supported by the Brazilian Ministry of Health aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and control technologies.
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