Evaluation of the public health laboratory network for tegumentary leishmaniasis in an endemic area of Brazil.

Abstract

Diagnostic networks ensure efficiency in disease diagnosis. A descriptive study evaluated the network of public health laboratories (NPHL) in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, using diagnostic results for tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) from the laboratory management system in 2017-2020. Out of 1,369 individuals analyzed, 704 (51.4%) cases of TL were confirmed, with 610 (86.7%) by direct parasitological examination (DPE) and 94 (13.4%) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Notably, 25.3% of cases with DPE-negative results were PCR-positive. Consecutive diagnostic tests enhanced diagnosis of TL. NPHL-MG is a promising model for expanding similar networks and improving disease control.