Identification of Risk Areas for Visceral Leishmaniasis in Teresina, Piaui State, Brazil

Abstract

This study used spatial analysis to identify areas at greatest risk of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the urban area of Teresina, Brazil during 2001–2006. The results from kernel ratios showed that peripheral census tracts were the most heavily affected. Local spatial analysis showed that in the beginning of the study period local clusters of high incidence of VL were mostly located in the southern and northeastern parts of the city, but in subsequent years those clusters also appeared in the northern region of the city, suggesting that the pattern of VL is not static, and the disease may occasionally spread to other areas of the municipality. We also observed a spatial correlation between VL rates and all socioeconomic and demographic indicators evaluated (P < 0.01). The concentration of interventions in high-risk areas could be an effective strategy to control the disease in the urban setting.

Transmission and Epidemiology of Zoonotic Protozoal Diseases of Companion Animals

“…Numerous studies have demonstrated a risk for ZVL based on the presence of dogs within the household, housing types (mud-walled housing compared to concrete or brick housing), education level, income, and disease knowledge (271,272,327,328). Clinical ZVL has also been associated with poor nutrition (328).…”

Fatores ambientais associados à ocorrência de leishmaniose visceral canina em uma área de recente introdução da doença no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

“…The evaluation of endemic diseases from the perspective of various elements involved in the transmission cycle, such as environmental and social determinants of the disease, has been the focus of some studies employing geoprocessing techniques 8,9,10,11,12 . Geoprocessing tools, especially remote sensing, can help identify environmental factors associated with the occurrence of VL.…”

Geographic weighted regression: applicability to epidemiological studies of leprosy

“…As a result, GIS have proven to be powerful tools for analyzing the prevention and control of infectious diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, and human immunodefi ciency virus/acquired immunodefi ciency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) (1) .…”