Spatial and temporal distribution of american tegumentary leishmaniasis in a health region of Northeastern Brazil, 2007-2022

American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) is a neglected disease widely distributed in Brazil, posing a public health challenge. This study aims to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of ATL in the Health Macroregion of Caxias, Maranhão, from January 2007 to December 2022. It is an ecological study that utilized data from the Notification of Compulsory Diseases Information System (SINAN). The analysis was conducted using QGIS software to generate maps and the Joinpoint regression model for temporal trends. A total of 722 cases were confirmed, with the highest incidence in 2007 (28.98 per 100,000 inhabitants). A general reduction in incidence was observed from 2007 to 2020 (APC = -7.92; p < 0.01), followed by an increase between 2020 and 2022 (APC = 53.74; p < 0.01). The majority of cases occurred in men (66%), with an age range of 40 to 64 years (36.5%). Cutaneous leishmaniasis was predominant (95.9%). ATL exhibits a heterogeneous distribution in the Caxias region, with significant spatial and temporal variability. The application of geospatial techniques may be essential for the planning and implementation of effective public policies for disease control, especially for identifying priority regions.