Comparison of epidemiological profile of leprosy from 2010 to 2020 in the city of Alfenas, state of Minas Gerais, with Brazil

Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, a mycobacterium that affects skin cells and peripheral nerves and, when not treated properly, can cause skin lesions with loss of local sensitivity. Its study is still of great importance, as it is a stigmatizing disease, with impacts on public health in emerging countries such as Brazil, and prevalent cities such as the Alfenas city in Minas Gerais. Objective: To compare the epidemiological profile of patients affected by leprosy from 2010 to 2020 in Alfenas city, state of Minas Gerais, with Brazil. Method: This is a transversal and descriptive study with collected data for the period of 2010 to 2020 available in the DATASUS system. Result: The observed profile was characterized by men, aged over 15 years, incomplete Elementary School I and multibacillary type of the disease, however there was divergence in relation to the race/color of individuals affected by leprosy comparing the national scope with the municipal scope of Alfenas. This difference in data is due to the socioeconomic development process in the city of Alfenas since its population composition is similar to that of west Paulista by virtue of the coffee labor in the colonial period. The statistical analysis indicated a varied prevalence coefficients for Brazil and Alfenas, and a dependence between both variables, although relatively weak. Conclusion: With the high prevalence of leprosy cases and its consequences, such as skin lesions, it is of great importance to understand this disease, as well as its epidemiological patterns.