Geo-epidemiology and socioeconomic aspects of human sporotrichosis in the municipality of Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 2007 and 2016

Abstract

Background: Sporotrichosis is usually caused by the traumatic inoculation of pathogenic species of fungi of the genus Sporothrix. The most prevalent species in Brazil is Sporothrix brasiliensis, which is generally associated with transmission involving infected cats. Sporotrichosis is hyperendemic in the state of Rio de Janeiro and Duque de Caxias is one of the most affected municipalities.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional, geo-epidemiological and socioeconomic study of human sporotrichosis in the municipality of Duque de Caxias using geoprocessing information for the construction of thematic maps.

Results: Eight hundred and twenty-seven cases of sporotrichosis from Duque de Caxias were reported between 2007 and 2016, most of them in women from 25-59 years. The most affected areas had low per capita income and scarce supply of treated water. Human sporotrichosis expanded throughout the territory of the municipality over time.

Conclusions: An increase in both the number of reported cases and their spatial distribution occurred throughout the studied decade. The concentration of the disease was more intense in areas with greater vulnerability of the population, expressed by low per capita income and deficient provision of basic sanitation services. Sporotrichosis requires measures to better control the disease in Duque de Caxias and in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Keywords: epidemiology; geographic mapping; mycoses; sporotrichosis.