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Neglected tropical diseases in Brazilian children and adolescents: data analysis from 2009 to 2013

Eduardo Brandão1,2, Sebastián Romero3, Maria Almerice Lopes da Silva4

  • 1National Reference Service for Filariasis, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (Fiocruz-PE), Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. brandaoe@cpqam.fiocruz.br.

Infectious Diseases of Poverty
|November 4, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This study analyzed 64,567 cases of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in young Brazilians, revealing a significant public health issue. Findings highlight the urgent need for updated policies to address these parasitic infections in vulnerable populations.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are linked to poverty and social inequality.
  • Four parasitic infections—acute Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, malaria, and schistosomiasis—are prioritized and mandatory notifiable diseases in Brazil.
  • Limited data exists on the prevalence and impact of these NTDs in pediatric and adolescent populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of four mandatory notifiable parasitic infections in children and adolescents in Brazil.
  • To investigate the spatial distribution and outcomes of these diseases in individuals aged 0–19 years.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective, exploratory, ecological study design was employed.
  • Data were collected from the Health Notification Aggravation Information System (SINAN) for cases reported between 2009 and 2013.
  • Spatial analysis was conducted on reported cases in individuals aged 0–19 years.

Main Results:

  • A total of 64,567 cases were recorded, with an incidence rate of 20.15 per 100,000 inhabitants.
  • The average age of affected individuals was 12.2 years, and 62.32% were male.
  • A case fatality rate of 0.62% was observed, with visceral leishmaniasis and acute Chagas disease showing the highest lethality; a heterogeneous spatial distribution was noted.

Conclusions:

  • These parasitic infections remain a significant public health concern in Brazil, particularly among young individuals.
  • The study underscores the necessity for further research and the revision of social, economic, and public health policies.
  • Improved health and living conditions are crucial for vulnerable populations, especially children and adolescents, to combat NTDs.
Abstract

Keywords:
BrazilChagas diseaseDisease notificationMalariaParasitesResidence characteristicsSchistosomiasisVisceral leishmaniasis

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