CHALLENGING NEGLECT OF TEGUMENTARY LEISHMANIASIS: HEALTH PROMOTION IN AN ENDEMIC AREA IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL

This study aimed to verify the epidemiological profile of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) in an endemic area in Southern Brazil and to develop health education activities with the local population to prevent new cases. This was a prospective study conducted with residents of the Borba Gato district, Maringá-Paraná, from March 2018 to June 2023. A questionnaire was applied to the participants to investigate the previous knowledge about TL and exposure to risk factors. Laboratory tests were performed to actively search for new cases of TL in the neighborhood. A total of 61 patients underwent indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) examination. Eight of them had a history of the disease, of which three continued to have positive titers on the test (IFI > 40) even after years of treatment completion. A new case of the disease was confirmed during the development of the study and progressed to clinical cure following administration of meglumine antimoniate 20mg/kg/day. Distribution of educational leaflets and lecture cycles with the population and health professionals of the neighborhood were developed to elucidate them regarding the form of transmission and preventive measures against TL. Health surveillance actions are necessary to control TL in endemic areas and promote human and animal health.