Epidemiological profile of individuals with American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Jequitinhonha Valley, Brazil

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological profile of patients with American cutaneous leishmaniasis [ACL] in 34 municipalities in Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil, registered from 2005 to 2010 with the Regional Health Superintendence, using data from the Brazilian Disease Notification Information System. Among 281 cases, 156 [55.5%] were included in the study. A statistically significant difference was found in ACL among men between 21 and 60 years of age [P = 0.034] in relation to women and other age groups. Analysing the male sample, a significant association was found between ACL and occupation [P = 0.04]. The cutaneous form occurred in 87.3% of cases. The medication most often employed was pentavalent antimony [87.3%], with cure achieved in 91.1% of cases. The epidemiological profile of ACL in the Jequitinhonha Valley is similar to that reported for other regions of Brazil, exhibiting a rural occupational nature and affecting men with low levels of schooling within the productive age