Risk mapping of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Brazil experiences a large number of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases. Our objective was to examine both spatial patterns of dispersion and space-time trends for this disease. METHODS: We used all autochthonous confirmed cases of VL in Brazil from 2001 to 2017. RESULTS: Throughout Brazil, 53,715 human cases of VL were recorded. The Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest regions of Brazil were the most affected areas and presented a higher risk of transmission. Regarding spatiotemporal variation, significant differences were observed each year, with a peak in 2005. CONCLUSIONS: The dynamics of VL showed a clear non-random pattern of spread in Brazil.