Importance of epidemiological surveillance of leprosy: analysis of the occurrence of leprosy in intra-domiciliary contacts in a capital in the Brazilian northeast region

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2020 Mar 16:53:e20190507. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0507-2019. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Introduction: Intra-domiciliary contacts are a group with the highest risk of developing leprosy.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of intra-domiciliary contacts of new leprosy cases was conducted. A descriptive analysis of the variables was performed.

Results: Among 190 contacts, 63% were invited to visit the health unit, and 54.2% received the BCG vaccine. The prevalence of leprosy among the contacts was 4.7%.

Conclusions: The occurrence of leprosy among the contacts was high and similar to that found previously. There were failures in surveillance actions carried out by health units. Never-before treated cases were found.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • BCG Vaccine / administration & dosage*
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Contact Tracing / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leprosy / epidemiology*
  • Leprosy / prevention & control
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Population Surveillance
  • Prevalence
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • BCG Vaccine