A TEN YEAR (1990-1999) SURVEY ON LEISHMANIASIS INCIDENCE IN PERNAMBUCO STATE, NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL

Abstract

Diseases caused by Leishmania parasites are relatively common in rural areas in Brazil. However, studies on eco-epidemiological aspects of the disease and its vectors, Lutzomyia species (Diptera: Psychodidae), are scarce. We studied the leishmaniasis incidence from January 1990 to December 1999 in the State of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. Based on data collected by the Fundação Nacional de Saúde, the profile on infected people, in terms of age, sex and occupation was investigated. The physiogeographical aspects of disease incidence were also considered. A total of 7,616 cases were recorded, of which 82.8 percent were cutaneous and 17.2 percent were visceral leishmaniasis. A higher incidence of disease was observed among men, and areas with remnants of rainforest had higher rates of infection. Children and early teenagers had a higher percentage of infection, as had adults involved in agricultural activities. Changes in vegetation composition and abundance, associated with an adaptative behavior by female mosquito vectors, may have contributed to an increase of leishmaniasis incidence in urban areas.