Occurrence of human visceral leishmaniasis in the Central-West region of Brazil: A systematic review

Since the first case of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) recorded in Brazil, in 1913, referring to a patient from Boa Esperanca, state of Mato Grosso, Central-West region, epidemics have been observed, with intensified expansion and urbanization from 1980. For a better understanding of the factors associated with VL in the Brazilian CentralWest region, the present study aimed to carry out a systematic review on aspects related to the occurrence of VL in this region, which includes the states of Goi ' as, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul and the Distrito Federal. Three thousand and nineteen studies were evaluated, of which twenty published between the years of 2002 and 2020 were included in this systematic review. In the states of Central-West region, it was possible to verify the occurrence of VL related to epidemiological characteristics that included: climatic variables (temperature and precipitation); socioeconomic factors (male gender; age group from zero to 14 years old; deaths from 40 years old, with emphasis from the 60 years and residents of the urban area); urban infrastructure vulnerability indicators (areas with environmental degradation, occupied by low-income population, with precarious hygienicsanitary conditions; anthropic disturbances and population agglomerations; densely vegetated and vacant lots containing rubble and material decaying organic matter); presence of the vector (Lutzomyia longipalpis and Lu. cruzi), dogs and other animals; in addition to the migratory process. Studies related to regional aspects of VL epidemiology can help in the adoption of strategies for better effectiveness in its control.

Automated summary

Since the first case of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) recorded in Brazil in 1913, epidemics have been observed in the Central-West region, with intensified expansion and urbanization from 1980. This systematic review examined 20 studies published between 2002 and 2020 to understand the factors associated with VL in the states of Goiás, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, and the Distrito Federal. The occurrence of VL in the Central-West region was found to be related to climatic variables, socioeconomic factors, urban infrastructure vulnerability, presence of the vector and animals, and migration processes. Studies on regional aspects of VL epidemiology can inform strategies for better control.