Epidemiological profile, spatial distribution, and syphilis time series: a cross-sectional study in a Brazilian municipality.

INTRODUCTION

Syphilis is an infectious disease of bacterial nature, acting on organs and/or systems. The increase in the number of cases worldwide has been of concern and the infection has been considered a public health problem. Given this scenario, this study evaluates the epidemiological profile, spatial distribution, and time series of the cases of acquired syphilis, syphilis in pregnant women, and congenital syphilis in a Brazilian municipality.

METHODOLOGY

This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study with second data of the notified cases. For the definition of the population universe, an initial survey of syphilis cases notified in the municipality was carried out, from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017.

RESULTS

There was an increase in the notified cases and the detection/incidence rates of syphilis. The epidemiological profile was composed of men (76.7%), adults (24.8%), white (60.4%), with eight or more years of study (53.7%) in addition to pregnant adolescents (36.7%) and young adults (26.0%), with inadequate treatment and untreated partners. A concentration of cases was identified in the regions with the lowest monthly income and the time series showed an increasing trend (p-value < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Health actions should continue to improve access to diagnosis and to notification, focusing on treatment, cure and health education actions to control and prevent new cases.