Abstract
BackgroundVisceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a significant public health problem in Brazil and several regions of the world. This study investigated the magnitude, temporal trends and spatial distribution of mortality related to VL in Brazil.MethodsWe performed a study based on secondary data obtained from the Brazilian Mortality Information System. We included all deaths in Brazil from 2000 to 2011, in which VL was recorded as cause of death. We present epidemiological characteristics, trend analysis of mortality and case fatality rates by joinpoint regression models, and spatial analysis using municipalities as geographical units of analysis.ResultsIn the study period, 12,491,280 deaths were recorded in Brazil. VL was mentioned in 3,322 (0.03%) deaths. Average annual age-adjusted mortality rate was 0.15 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants and case fatality rate 8.1%. Highest mortality rates were observed in males (0.19 deaths/100,000 inhabitants), <1 year-olds (1.03 deaths/100,000 inhabitants) and residents in Northeast region (0.30 deaths/100,000 inhabitants). Highest case fatality rates were observed in males (8.8%), ≥70 year-olds (43.8%) and residents in South region (17.7%). Mortality and case fatality rates showed a significant increase in Brazil over the period, with different patterns between regions: increasing mortality rates in the North (Annual Percent Change – APC: 9.4%; 95% confidence interval – CI: 5.3 to 13.6), and Southeast (APC: 8.1%; 95% CI: 2.6 to 13.9); and increasing case fatality rates in the Northeast (APC: 4.0%; 95% CI: 0.8 to 7.4). Spatial analysis identified a major cluster of high mortality encompassing a wide geographic range in North and Northeast Brazil.ConclusionsDespite ongoing control strategies, mortality related to VL in Brazil is increasing. Mortality and case fatality vary considerably between regions, and surveillance and control measures should be prioritized in high-risk clusters. Early diagnosis and treatment are fundamental strategies for reducing case fatality of VL in Brazil.
Highlights
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or Kala-azar is a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) and continues being a significant public health problem in several regions of the world [1]
VL is endemic in 65 countries, and 90% of cases are reported from Bangladesh, India, Brazil, Nepal, Ethiopia and Sudan [1]
VL is present in 12 Latin American countries, with 90% of all cases reported in Brazil [7,8]
Summary
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or Kala-azar is a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) and continues being a significant public health problem in several regions of the world [1]. VL is endemic in 65 countries (distributed in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Americas), and 90% of cases are reported from Bangladesh, India, Brazil, Nepal, Ethiopia and Sudan [1]. The domestic dog (Canis familiaris) is the main reservoir of the parasite in urban areas [4,5,6]. VL is present in 12 Latin American countries, with 90% of all cases reported in Brazil [7,8]. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a significant public health problem in Brazil and several regions of the world. This study investigated the magnitude, temporal trends and spatial distribution of mortality related to VL in Brazil
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