Esporotricose humana: uma série de casos em um município do estado do Espírito Santo

Abstract

Introduction: Sporotrichosis has become a public health problem in Brazil since 1998, due to the significant increase in cases among humans. It stands out as an endemic fungal disease whose etiological agents are widely distributed in the environment. Objective: This study aimed to describe the series of sporotrichosis cases that occurred in the city of Cariacica, Espírito Santo, Brazil, between 2018 and 2020; and develop and evaluate a compulsory notification form for human sporotrichosis. Methodology: Two types of studies were developed. In the first stage, an epidemiological study, descriptive of the case series type, to describe the series of cases of human sporotrichosis. In the second stage of the research, a methodological study was carried out in two phases: elaboration of the theoretical content to develop the notification form, and, subsequently, the evaluation of the notification form performed by expert judges through an online Delphi panel, from July to September 2020. The experts included physicians, nurses, biologists, and veterinarians who worked in primary health care, with at least two years of experience in epidemiology and/or infectious diseases, public health, and primary care. To evaluate the theoretical content, a modified and adapted 3-point Likert scale was used, with an agreement rate of 80% being considered acceptable. Results: Among the 33 cases of human sporotrichosis in the period studied, most were female (73%), aged between 20 and 59 years, of mixed race (55%), and performed household chores. Regarding the clinical form, 52% presented the cutaneous lymphatic form, 85% had wounds in the upper limbs, and the hand was the inoculation point in 48% of cases. Treatment was carried out over 3 months (55%) and in 82% itraconazole was the drug of choice. In 67%, the diagnosis was clinical-epidemiological. The probable form of contagion in 79% was animal, with 36% showing scratches and 64% the presence of the animal at home. Regarding the notification form, it was divided into 7 categories, namely: general data, individual notification, residence data, epidemiological history, clinical data, hospitalization, and conclusion, containing 59 variables and 151 items. The products of this dissertation were the compulsory notification form for human sporotrichosis and two scientific articles. Conclusion: Knowing the profile of patients with sporotrichosis contributes to establish action strategies to prevent and combat this disease. Furthermore, in this perspective, the compulsory notification form can be a communication tool in epidemiological surveillance, providing data for technical guidance of health professionals.