Spatial, Social and Serological Factors in the Prevalence and Risk of Leprosy in Areas of High Endemicity: An Integrative Review.

Abstract

Background/objectives: Leprosy remains a global public health challenge, especially in hyperendemic areas, where spatial, socioeconomic and serological factors influence its persistence. In this study, an integrative review was carried out to analyze the relationship between these factors and the prevalence of Mycobacterium leprae infection, as well as the risk of falling ill.

Methods: The integrative search was conducted in the BVS (Medline and LILACS) and Scopus databases, including studies published between 2010 and 2024; PRISMA was followed.

Results: The findings indicate that spatial analysis, using geographic information systems, is essential for identifying transmission clusters and targeting control strategies. Poor socioeconomic conditions, such as low income and inadequate sanitation, significantly increase the risk of infection. In addition, serology, especially the detection of Anti-PGL-1 antibodies, has proved to be a promising tool for tracking subclinical infections and improving epidemiological surveillance. However, the integration of spatial, social and serological factors is still limited in the literature.

Conclusions: We conclude that multidisciplinary approaches, combining spatial, socioeconomic and serological factors, are fundamental to optimizing control strategies and reducing leprosy transmission in vulnerable populations.