Distribuição da Esquistossomose no Sudeste Brasileiro: Estudo Retrospectivo Epidemiológico

Introduction: In Brazil, confirmed cases of schistosomiasis are endemic and strongly linked to socioeconomic and environmental factors. Methodology: This cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive study with a quantitative approach analyzed the geographic and demographic distribution of schistosomiasis in the Southeast region of Brazil, using data from DATASUS, collected between 2013 and 2023, and organized in Excel software. Results: A total of 33,853 confirmed cases were recorded, with the highest incidence rate in 2013. Minas Gerais (n=24,985) had a number 4.84 times higher of cases than São Paulo (n=5,163), which has a population 2.16 times larger. The disease affected all age groups, with a higher prevalence between 20 and 39 years (n=12,567) and between 40 and 49 years (n=11,233), being more prevalent in males (63.4%). Discussion: Factors such as population growth, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the expansion of social characteristics of slums and socioeconomic marginalization significantly contribute to the high incidence of the disease in southeastern Brazil. In addition, several studies have associated the prevalence of the disease in young and middle-aged men with patterns of work activities related to fishing and agriculture, as well as the possible influence of past clinical history on the greater propensity for infection in this age group. Conclusion: Despite the progressive reduction in incidence, the disease persists with high numbers in the Southeast region, especially in Minas Gerais, highlighting the need to direct research to this area, due to the scarcity of epidemiological studies on schistosomiasis in the region.