TY - JOUR T1 - Leprosy morbidity and mortality in Brazil: 2008–2018 JO - The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases T2 - AU - Miguel,Camila Botelho AU - da Mota,Patrício Barbosa AU - Afonso,Breno Oliveira AU - Agostinho,Ferdinando AU - Cazzaniga,Rodrigo Anselmo AU - de Abreu,Melissa Carvalho Martins AU - Oliveira,Carlo José Freire AU - Rodrigues,Wellington Francisco SN - 14138670 M3 - 10.1016/j.bjid.2021.101638 DO - 10.1016/j.bjid.2021.101638 UR - https://www.bjid.org.br/en-leprosy-morbidity-mortality-in-brazil-articulo-S1413867021001070 AB - IntroductionLeprosy is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. This study aimed to understand the distribution and impact of Hansen's disease in different regions of Brazil and the outcome of cases in recent years. MethodologyAn ecological study was conducted throughout the Brazilian territory for 11 years (2008–2018). The mortality rates, new cases of the disease, and proportion of physical disability and cure were assessed. Data were obtained using DATASUS. GraphPad Excel and “Prisma” programs were used for tabulation and data processing. To present an accurate perspective from all regions, the data were normalized according to the population. ResultsOverall, the results demonstrated a significant reduction in the number of leprosy cases in Brazil over the last decade (p < 0.05). North and Midwest regions showed higher mortality rates standardized by age (p < 0.05). The largest number of cases were found in Tocantins and Mato Grosso, inner states of Brazil (p < 0.05). The cure rates in the Southeast and South regions were negatively correlated with the mortality rate in these regions (p < 0.05). ConclusionsActions to control the spread and unfavorable outcomes of leprosy have been effective in the last decade in most Brazilian states. On the other hand, the states of Tocantins and Mato Grosso, in the North and Midwest regions of Brazil, need to intensify the fight against the disease. Notwithstanding, measures against leprosy should continue and be intensified in regions with greater aggravations, aiming at an effective homogeneous control of the disease. ER -