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

Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo. 2024 Dec 6:66:e70. doi: 10.1590/S1678-9946202466070. eCollection 2024.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Endemic Diseases*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laboratories
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous* / diagnosis
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous* / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction*
  • Public Health
  • Young Adult