Leishmaniose cutânea: inovações tecnológicas para rastreamento e tratamento da doença em região endêmica do Brasil

Abstract

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) remains a persistent challenge for public health in various tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Transmitted by infected sandflies, this disease is caused by parasites of the Leishmania genus and presents a wide range of clinical manifestations, from simple cutaneous lesions to more severe forms leading to permanent deformities. Despite being the subject of research and knowledge for quite some time, it still poses a significant public health problem, attributed to its wide biological, clinical, and epidemiological complexity. In this context, the search for technological innovations to optimize its management is pressing, aiming to break the historical neglect of this tropical disease. The objective of this study was to analyze technological tools for the screening and treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in an endemic region of Brazil. It was a cross-sectional, analytical, methodological, and quantitative approach conducted in four phases: identification of the sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients diagnosed with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the city of Montes Claros and the current status of diagnostic and therapeutic management of the disease in the municipality; establishment of technological interventions for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis treatment; literature review to highlight digital health alternatives for screening in communicable diseases; and finally, the development of a prototype mobile application for screening and monitoring CL patients. By identifying the sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients diagnosed with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Municipality of Montes Claros, simultaneously assessing the current state of the quality of treatment provided through the evaluation of therapy abandonment rate, it is observed that socioclinical variables, such as education level and treatment duration, are associated with a higher treatment abandonment rate. In the municipality in question, this rate was 23.68%, compared to the national average of 2.6%. Remarkably, the advancement of technological innovations can play a significant role in CL management, demonstrating an opportunity for effective improvement in prevention and therapy. In this context, laser therapy and the implementation of mobile applications for screening and management of CL emerge. Although the study's results showed that the use of laser therapy, as a technological innovation in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis treatment, did not present statistically significant differences compared to conventional treatment, the development of prototype applications for case management stands out as a promising tool to positively transform the disease control scenario. Conducting a detailed literature review to identify options in digital health for communicable disease screening provided a solid foundation for the development of a prototype mobile application, resulting in an intuitive and easily accessible software created to monitor and accompany patients with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, providing a valuable tool for both healthcare professionals and patients in combating this disease. Analyzing technological tools for screening and treating Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in endemic regions of Brazil reveals a promising frontier in combating this disease, understanding that the fight against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis demands a comprehensive approach that integrates technological advances with traditional medical strategies. Technological innovations not only simplify early diagnosis and treatment but also strengthen monitoring and control efforts. This study not only contributes to the understanding of the disease but also guides the implementation of innovative approaches aimed at significantly improving the effectiveness of public health interventions in managing Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.