Conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde da microrregião de Conselheiro Lafaiete - MG, sobre a Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana

Abstract

American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) is an infection caused by the protozoan Leishmania spp. transmitted by sandflies. It affects the skin and mucous membranes, causing ulcers. Although painless, the lesions can cause physical sequelae and social stigma. This cross sectional study assessed the knowledge of 40 healthcare professionals (nurses, technicians, and physicians) from three municipalities in Minas Gerais regarding the clinical suspicion, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ACL. The majority of participants were nursing technicians (60%), female (80%), and working in primary care units (60%). They performed well on questions about management and palliative care (>70% correct answers), but 77.5% did not recognize clinical images of ACL, and 80% were unable to describe its main characteristics. All participants agreed on the importance of training in dermatological diseases. It is concluded that, despite the dominance in general care, there is a deficiency in the identification of ATL, which indicates the need for greater investment in continuing education about pathology.