Evaluation of intralesional treatment in american tegumentary leishmaniasis in the amazon region: results and perspectives

Abstract

American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) is an infectious disease transmitted to humans by the bite of infected phlebotomine sand flies, commonly known as "sand flies." In Brazil, ATL is a significant public health challenge, with a higher prevalence in the northern region, a predominance of males aged 20 to 40 years, and a higher incidence among the mixed-race population. Methodology: The study was conducted under the Education through Work for Health Program (PET-Saúde) in Santarém, Pará, between August and December 2022. Results: The predominant profile of ATL patients was adult male rural workers with cutaneous lesions mainly on the lower limbs. The most common clinical form was localized cutaneous lesion, representing over 90% of cases. Intralesional treatment with meglumine antimoniate was well-tolerated by patients, with few local side effects and a successful therapeutic response in most cases. Discussion: The results corroborated with the literature, showing the endemic profile of ATL in the Amazon region. Intralesional treatment proved to be effective and well-tolerated, being a relevant option for areas with limited resources and difficulties in accessing healthcare. Conclusion: The study provides evidence that intralesional treatment with meglumine antimoniate is an effective therapeutic option. Its high adherence suggests its consideration in public health policies for disease treatment. It is recommended that future studies expand the sample size and follow-up period to obtain more comprehensive information about this therapeutic approach.