Analysis of the detection coefficient for the association between leprosy and pregnancy in the integration region of Carajás, State of Pará, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: The association between leprosy and pregnancy is currently poorly understood and has been linked to serious clinical consequences. Methods: A retrospective study between 2007 and 2009 was performed in the integration region of Carajás, Brazil on a population of pregnant lepers, with non-lepers of ages 12-49 years serving as the reference population. Results: Twenty-nine pregnant lepers were studied during the study period. The detection rates (DRs) for the studied association were 4.7 in 2007, 9.4 in 2008, and 4.3 in 2009. Conclusions: The Carajás region presented a medium pattern of endemicity during most of the study period, with a high DR found in 2008.