Eco-epidemiology of American tegumentary leishmaniasis in Itabuna – Bahia – Brazil, 2001-2014

Abstract

An ecological study was carried out to investigate the sociodemographic and epidemiological profile, the frequency of cases, the epidemiological indicators and the eco-epidemiological aspects of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Itabuna. The methodology used was the collection of secondary data (DATASUS - 2001 to 2014). From 2001 to 2014, 360 cases of American cutaneous leishmaniasis were reported in Itabuna. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The average incidence of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in the municipality, from 2001-2014, was 12.1 cases/100.000 inhabitants. The results indicate that the most affected individuals were men of economically active age, with low education and residents in urban areas. Most cases were new and the most prevalent clinical form was cutaneous, being clinical and epidemiological confirmation criterion the most frequent. The ?² test showed the existence of a significant difference between the population frequency and the frequency of cases of the disease. Epidemiological indicators showed spatial density, disease detection and the proportion of cases in the municipality. With regard to eco-epidemiological aspects, it was possible to establish that the recent occupation of peri-urban areas in the municipality, combined with environmental factors, such as climate, vegetation, accumulation of organic matter, seem to increase the population's vulnerability to epidemics.

Keywords: Epidemiological profile. Vulnerable populations. Epidemiological determinants. Cutaneous leishmaniasis.