An epidemiological analysis of leptospirosis in Brazil and Alagoas (2009-2019)

Abstract

Introduction: Leptospirosis is an infectious-contagious disease whose etiological agent is the bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Transmitted through contact with animal reservoirs, such as synanthropic, domestic and wild, or contact with soil or water contaminated with your urine. Its acute infectious process can be difficult to diagnose, often being confused with tropical viruses, where it can be underdiagnosed. Objective: Analyze the cases of leptospirosis in Brazil and Alagoas from 2009 to 2019. Methodology: This is an ecological study based on data made available at DATASUS. Results: Between 2009 and 2019, 41,837 cases of leptospirosis were reported in Brazil, with 2011 being the year with the highest notification of the disease. There was a predominance of males (79.9%), while females accounted for 20.07%. The most affected age group was between 20 and 39 years old at the national level and 20 to 39 years old in the state of Alagoas, where less than half of the affected individuals died (10.5%). As for the evolution of the individual in the national scenario, 34,769 (83.1%) people progressed to a cure, while 3,621 (8.6%) died due to leptospirosis. Conclusion: The incidence of leptospirosis cases in the state of Alagoas was above the national average, but it was not a discrepant difference. In addition, other variables from the state of Alagoas analyzed in this study, such as gender and age group, were similar at the national level.