Mansonic Schistosomiasis in the Brazilian Southeast: Spatial Analysis in Minas Gerais

Abstract

Introduction: Mansonic schistosomiasis is a parasitosis whose evolution is related to Brazilian history, linked to the migration currents from the Northeast, reaching the Brazilian Southeast, particularly the state of Minas Gerais. Materials and Methods: with a view to the possible identification of clusters, the data concerning the incidence of schistosomiasis were subject to exploratory spatial analysis. Results: The Global Moran index indicated the existence of clusters in the state. The Local Moran Index identified three clusters, one in the Northeast of Minas Gerais (Jequitinhonha, Mucuri), another in the Central-South of Rio Doceand the third cluster in the region Vertentes/Zona da Mata. Discussion: In Minas Gerais, schistosomiasis occurs in specific areas. In addition, there exists a spatial correlation between the occurrence of the parasitosis and variables such as altitude and discharge of sanitary sewage in river/lake. Conclusion: Schistosomiasis does not occur randomly, but in environments that somehow favour its occurrence. On the other hand, environmental factors like altitude and sanitary sewage in rivers are related to these clusters.