Dinâmica epidemiológica e distribuição espacial da esquistossomose entre 2012 e 2022 no Estado do Maranhão

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a chronic disease caused by the parasite Schistosoma, which infects humans through contact with water contaminated with its larvae. It is associated with poor sanitation conditions, affecting populations without access to basic sanitation and treated water. Control involves education, improved sanitation, water treatment, medication, and parasite control. The objective was to identify the epidemiological and spatial characteristics of schistosomiasis in Maranhão between 2012 and 2022, demonstrating the disease distribution process in the state, its incidence and epidemiological profile. This study is characterized as an epidemiological, retrospective, descriptive, and cross-sectional research based on reported cases of schistosomiasis available on the Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS) platform. Variables such as sex, age, education, race, disease progression, clinical classification, notification month and municipalities were selected. Descriptive analyses were conducted, determining absolute and relative frequencies of categorical variables using software such as Microsoft Excel and Jamovi, and calculating the incidence rate of schistosomiasis per 100,000 inhabitants. Spatial descriptions and geo-statistical analyses were performed using QGIS and GeoDa software. A total of 309 cases were confirmed during the period, with higher frequency among men (73.1%), of mixed race (63.7%), aged 20-39 years (30.4%), and with low education (52%). The predominant clinical form was intestinal (69.2%), typically progressing to cure (63.7%). Incidence was higher on the western coast and in the lowlands of Maranhão, particularly in São Vicente Ferrer, Centro Guilherme and Luís Domingues. The infection is highly endemic, with 80.2% of cases being autochthonous. Spatial analysis identified significant clusters in Bequimão, Turilândia and Pinheiro, highlighting challenges such as underreporting, lack of sanitation infrastructure, and climatic conditions favorable to the parasite. In conclusion, it was possible to outline an epidemiological and spatial profile to support disease prevention efforts