[Epidemiology of American tegumentary leishmaniasis in the State of Acre, Brazilian Amazon]

Abstract

This was a descriptive statistical study of 8,516 cases of American tegumentary leishmaniasis in the State of Acre, Brazil, from 2001 to 2006 (second period), comparing the results to a previous publication with data from the same State for 1992 to 1997 (first period). Prevalence in the State more than doubled (55.7/10,000 inhabitants from 1992 to 1997 and 128.5/10,000 inhabitants from 2001 to 2006). Males predominated (68.8%, n = 5,860) in the second period. Mean age in the second period was 26.3 years, slightly lower than in the first. Individuals with low schooling were more affected by the disease. The other variables were area of residence, occupation, diagnostic criterion, clinical form, treatment, relapse, time before seeking treatment, and evolution. In conclusion, American tegumentary leishmaniasis epidemiological indicators worsened in the State between the two periods.