Spatiotemporal analysis of environmental factors associated with visceral leishmaniasis in northeastern Brazil, 2007–2022
摘要
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum and transmitted by infected female sand flies, remains a significant public health concern in Brazil. This study investigates the clinical and epidemiological profile of VL, including its spatial distribution, temporal trends, and relationship with environmental factors - specifically sanitation, waste collection, and deforestation - in the northeastern region of Brazil from 2007 to 2022. Utilizing data from SINAN, IBGE, and MapBiomas, we observed a higher incidence of VL among males, children under ten years old, and indigenous populations, particularly in the states of Maranhão, Piauí, Bahia, and Ceará. Although a notable decreasing trend in VL cases was observed, the disease remains endemic in these areas. This research identified a positive correlation between VL incidence and environmental factors, such as inadequate sewage systems, insufficient waste collection, and deforestation. These findings suggest that improving urban infrastructure, adopting sustainable land-use practices, and enhancing epidemiological surveillance could help reduce VL incidence in northeastern Brazil.