Evaluation of the public health laboratory network for tegumentary leishmaniasis in an endemic area of Brazil

Abstract

Diagnostic networks ensure efficiency in disease diagnosis. A descriptive study evaluated the network of public health laboratories (NPHL) in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, using diagnostic results for tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) from the laboratory management system in 2017–2020. Out of 1,369 individuals analyzed, 704 (51.4%) cases of TL were confirmed, with 610 (86.7%) by direct parasitological examination (DPE) and 94 (13.4%) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Notably, 25.3% of cases with DPE-negative results were PCR-positive. Consecutive diagnostic tests enhanced diagnosis of TL. NPHL-MG is a promising model for expanding similar networks and improving disease control.