LAUSR

Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It is considered a major public health issue in developing countries. Objective: To present the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and the spatial distribution of leprosy cases in the state of Piaui between the years of 2011 and 2015. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive and population-based study, using secondary data of leprosy cases registered in the Information System on Diseases of Compulsory Declaration (Sinan) and made available on the Datasus website. Results and conclusions: There were 6378 cases reported, with an average incidence of 0.63 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The cases by age group ranged among 35 to 49 years for females and 50 to 64 for males. The detection mode was performed in 43.5% of the cases by referral and 69.3% of patients were cured. The multibacillary operational classification prevailed for males and the paucibacillary for females. 67.1% of the patients did not present any degree of physical disability and had 2 to 5 lesions. 38.5% were in a therapeutic regimen with MDT/PB/6doses and 60.3% had MDT/MB/12doses. The highest occurrence of cases in 2011 was observed in the city of Pedro Laurentino, in 2012 in Passagem Franca do Piaui, 2013 in Flores do Piaui, 2014 in Cristino Castro and 2015 in Santa Rosa do Piaui. In conclusion, leprosy is a serious disease often neglected that requires particular attention from public health authorities.