Temporal and demographic trends of American tegumentary leishmaniasis in Brazil: a nationwide analysis from 2007 to 2025.

Introduction

American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) remains a major neglected tropical disease in Latin America. Brazil accounts for a substantial proportion of cases worldwide, with transmission strongly influenced by ecological and socioeconomic factors. Investigating temporal and demographic trends is essential to better understand the current epidemiological dynamics of the disease.

Methods

A nationwide ecological study was conducted using secondary data from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), available through the DATASUS platform. Confirmed ATL cases reported between 2007 and 2025 were analyzed. Variables included sex, age group, and region of residence. Descriptive epidemiological analyses were performed to evaluate demographic patterns and geographic distribution.

Results

Between 2007 and 2025, 351,267 confirmed ATL cases were reported in Brazil. A pronounced male predominance was observed (72.9% of cases), suggesting occupational or environmental exposure patterns. Adults aged 20–39 years represented the most affected group (38.9%), followed by individuals aged 40–59 years (25.1%), indicating higher incidence among economically active populations. Geographically, the North region concentrated the largest share of cases (43.5%), followed by the Northeast (28.4%), reflecting the persistence of endemic transmission in tropical and Amazonian areas.

Conclusions

The epidemiological profile of ATL in Brazil reveals strong demographic and geographic disparities, with higher incidence among adult males and populations living in northern tropical regions. These findings highlight the continued need for targeted surveillance and control strategies in endemic areas and reinforce the importance of strengthening public health interventions in high-transmission settings.