Study Finds Leishmaniasis Prevalence in Endemic Area of Southern Brazil

Strategic Insights -

In a prospective study conducted in the Borba Gato district of Maringa-Parana, researchers aimed to verify the epidemiological profile of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) and develop health education activities to prevent new cases. The study involved 61 patients who underwent indirect immunofluorescence examination, with 8 having a history of the disease and 3 showing positive titers even after treatment completion. A new case of TL was confirmed and progressed to clinical cure following meglumine antimoniate administration. The researchers concluded that health surveillance actions are necessary to control TL in endemic areas and promote human and animal health.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to investigate the epidemiological profile of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) in an endemic area in Southern Brazil.
  • A prospective study was conducted with residents of the Borba Gato district, Maringa-Parana, from March 2018 to June 2023, involving 61 patients who underwent indirect immunofluorescence examination.
  • 8 patients had a history of TL, and 3 showed positive titers even after treatment completion.
  • A new case of TL was confirmed and progressed to clinical cure following meglumine antimoniate administration.
  • The researchers developed health education activities, including distribution of educational leaflets and lecture cycles, to prevent new cases of TL.
  • The study highlights the importance of health surveillance actions in controlling TL in endemic areas and promoting human and animal health.

Statistics:

  • 61 patients underwent indirect immunofluorescence examination.
  • 8 patients had a history of TL.
  • 3 patients showed positive titers even after treatment completion.
  • The study was conducted over a period of 5 years, from March 2018 to June 2023 (March 2018-June 2023 is 61 months: 5 years, 3 months).
  • The researchers administered meglumine antimoniate at a dose of 20mg/kg/day to the patient who progressed to clinical cure.

Sources:

  • Challenging Neglect of Tegumentary Leishmaniasis: Health Promotion in An Endemic Area in Southern Brazil. Arquivos de Ciencias da Saude da UNIPAR, 2024,28(2). The publisher for Arquivos de Ciencias da Saude da UNIPAR is Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR). A free version of this journal article is available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.25110/arqsaude.v28i2.2024-11201.
  • NewsRx. Research from Universidade Estadual de Maringa Has Provided New Study Findings on Leishmaniasis (Challenging Neglect of Tegumentary Leishmaniasis: Health Promotion in An Endemic Area in Southern Brazil). World Disease Weekly. November 4, 2025; p 62.