Perfil clínico e epidemiológico da hanseníase no Brasil no período de 2012 a 2016

Abstract

The present work brings a literature review on the clinical and epidemiological profile of leprosy in Brazil between the years 2012 to 2016. As a goal, it seeks to learn from national scientific data the clinical and epidemiological profile of leprosy in Brazilian territory, as well as, to point out the incidence of the disease in Brazil, to identify the types of leprosy and the symptoms, the indicated treatments and how the pharmacist can act in the control and combat of leprosy in Primary Care. It is known that Brazil is included among the most endemic countries of leprosy, despite presenting a significant drop in prevalence rates and proportion of deformities (grade 2 of physical disability) among newly diagnosed cases. Early diagnosis and treatment of the carrier of the disease is a fundamental factor for the cure and total elimination of the source of infection, thus breaking the chain of transmission of the same. The problem that drove this research was the following: What are the main clinical and epidemiological aspects of leprosy in the Brazilian territory? For the development of this work, a bibliographic research was carried out, based on articles and monographs found on websites, as well as information in the Data Sus database, Scielo, Bireme, Lilacs, among others. Among the results achieved, it is understood that, although there is a significant reduction in leprosy cases in Brazil, there is still a need for intense surveillance through programs and public policies that can prevent further contagion. It is concluded, then, that leprosy is a controlled disease in the country, however, if there are neglects in this control and combat, possibly the cases will increase, and the Brazilian nation will become a hyper-endemic territory.