@article{103497,
  keywords = {Covid-19, Coinfection, Public health , Leprosy},
  author = {Ana Flávia Sobral de Medeiros  and Aline Lidiane Batista  and Sidnei Miyoshi Sakamoto  and Diogo Manuel Lopes de Paiva Cavalcanti  and Renata Ferreira Magalhães },
  title = {Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Leprosy: Evidence From an Endemic City in Northeastern Brazil},
  abstract = {<p><strong>Background:</strong></p>

<p>Leprosy is endemic to Brazil. The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have affected diagnosis and treatment.</p>

<p><strong>Methods:</strong></p>

<p>Study in Mossoró-RN (2018-2023) analyzing epidemiological data, treatment abandonment, and COVID-19 co-infection.</p>

<p><strong>Results:</strong></p>

<p>The average weekly number of cases declined during the post-pandemic period. The dropout rate was higher during the acute phase. Male sex was associated with dropout (odds ratio [OR], 6.32; p = 0.013). Of the 57 patients tested for COVID-19, 21 tested positive, with no clinical aggravation.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions:</strong></p>

<p>The pandemic has affected leprosy control. Local strategies helped reduce the impact, and co-infection did not worsen the disease</p>
},
  year = {2026},
  journal = {Journal of the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine},
  volume = {59},
  pages = {1 - 5},
  month = {03/2026},
  url = {https://www.scielo.br/j/rsbmt/a/4TvhLp5ncnD4m5n7FYDQvyt/?format=pdf&lang=en},
  language = {ENG},
}