Resumo:
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an endemic zoonosis of high public health importance in
Brazil, especially in the Northeast region. This study conducted a retrospective analysis
of the occurrence and spatial distribution of human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) and
canine leishmaniasis (CanL) cases in the municipality of Itaberaba, Bahia, between
2018 and 2020. Epidemiological data were obtained from the local epidemiological
surveillance system and subjected to spatial analysis using QGIS software, employing
Kernel density estimation and cluster identification through SaTScan software. During
the study period, 773 dogs were included in the analyses, of which 8.8% tested positive
for CanL, with annual variation ranging from 5.6% (2018) to 13% (2019). Spatial
analysis indicated the presence of risk clusters in peripheral areas characterized by
poor sanitation and high social vulnerability. Although human cases were sporadic,
they were concentrated among young individuals and showed a similar distribution
between urban and rural areas. No spatial overlap was observed between canine and
human cases; however, canine cases were located near human cases. The main
limitations identified included incomplete data recording, losses in confirmatory
diagnosis (ELISA), limited surveillance actions in rural areas, and delays in laboratory
workflows. The findings reinforce the importance of integrated and territorially focused
surveillance strategies, including the systematic use of geoprocessing tools,
strengthening field actions, and community awareness, aiming to reduce transmission
and improve institutional response to VL.
