Epidemiological profile of the notified cases of leprosy in the state of Paraná-Brasil, 2007-2015

Abstract

Due to its importance and magnitude, leprosy is a compulsory communication disease for all health professionals according to the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN).1 This disease is contagious, chronic and curable, but it has a potential for physical, emotional and occupational limitations when not diagnosed and treated correctly.2 Researching the state of the disease cases can add new knowledge to promote better prevention, care and rehabilitation in health. Leprosy is a mycobacteriosis caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae), called Hansen’s bacillus, capable of affecting skin, peripheral nerves and other systems in a localized or systemic way, depending on the immunogenic characteristics of the host.3 Transmission occurs through bacilli expelled by sneezing, coughing, speech and breathing of the infected individual, according to prolonged and frequent contact. Its diagnosis is made through anamnesis, general physical examination, dermatological and neurological evaluation of the thermal, tactile and tactile sensibility and palpation of peripheral nerves, complemented by smear microscopy of the patient who presents lesions of the skin with a sensitivity disorder.4–5 The disease is classified clinically in four forms: indeterminate, tuberculoid, borderline or dimorphic, and virchowian.4–6