Survey of Hospitalizations due to Leishmaniasis in Adults during the Pre and Post COVID-19 Pandemic Periods in Feira de Santana, Brazil

Abstract

Aims: Neglected tropical diseases, such as Visceral Leishmaniasis, affect over 1 billion people in tropical and subtropical regions, with Leishmaniasis being endemic in various parts of the world and causing up to 1 million new cases annually. It is crucial to investigate the decline in hospitalization cases in Feira de Santana and its possible linkage with the COVID-19 pandemic and local socioeconomic factors. Study Design:  An exploratory-descriptive bibliographic study with a qualitative approach. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Health, Higher Education Unit of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana (Bahia), during the first semester of 2024. Methodology: The bibliographic survey was conducted through searches of scientific productions on the proposed theme, from 2018 to 2024. Searches were performed using keywords in Portuguese and English with the Boolean operator "AND". In addition to literature review, the collection of secondary data was conducted by the Department of Health Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). Results: The complex interaction among socioeconomic, environmental, and public health factors, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, impacts the dissemination, underreporting, and control of leishmaniasis, highlighting the urgent need for integrated approaches and strengthening of health systems to effectively address this neglected disease. Conclusion: Therefore, it is concluded that the main causes may include reductions or delays in notifications, which can lead to difficulties in differentiating diseases with similar clinical presentations and even coinfections.