Distribuição de casos de Doenças Tropicais Negligenciadas (DTNs) no estado do Amapá entre 2019 e 2023

Abstract

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or toxins that primarily affect socially vulnerable communities, being prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Historically neglected, these diseases have always received less attention and funding compared to other illnesses, despite their significant impact on public health. In Brazil, the most common NTDs include leprosy, schistosomiasis, venomous animal accidents, and cutaneous leishmaniasis, among others. This study aimed to analyze the distribution of NTD cases in the state of Amapá from 2019 to 2023 through consultation of public databases. The data for analysis were extracted from the database of the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System (DATASUS) and tabulated using the Health Information System (TABNET). Among the NTDs, the ones listed in the epidemiological bulletin issued by the Ministry of Health were selected. From these, only those with mandatory reporting to the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) were included, comprising venomous animal accidents, Chagas disease, leprosy, cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, and rabies. Various sociodemographic parameters of these NTDs were analyzed. The results indicated that the highest incidence of NTD cases in the state occurred among individuals aged 20 to 59 years, accounting for 65.5% of the records. The most frequent diseases were venomous animal accidents and cutaneous leishmaniasis. Furthermore, municipalities such as Calçoene, Serra do Navio, and Laranjal do Jari demonstrated the greatest vulnerabilities, with rates of up to 232.8 cases per 5,000 inhabitants. The study highlighted that Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) remain a serious public health issue in Brazil, particularly in the Northern Region, where the persistence of these diseases is significantly higher than in the Southern Region. Lastly, for the state of Amapá, it was concluded that there was an overlap of various NTDs, with venomous animal accidents being the most frequent, followed by cutaneous leishmaniasis, leprosy, and Chagas disease. It is recommended that epidemiological surveillance and public policies aimed at disease control be strengthened. In addition, preventive actions, such as educational campaigns, distribution of protective equipment and environmental management, are essential to reduce the exposure of rural workers to vectors and venomous animals.