LEPROSY IN MATO GROSSO: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL OVERVIEW AND THE PORTRAIT OF UNDERDIAGNOSIS

Leprosy is a chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nerves. It is transmitted through nasal and oral droplets during prolonged contact and triggers immune reactions that can lead to neuropathy and sequelae. This study aimed to analyze epidemiological aspects of leprosy in the state of Mato Grosso between 2021 and 2024. Descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective quantitative study based on SINAN/DATASUS data. Variables assessed included year of notification, sex, race/color, age, schooling, clinical form, and operational classification. A total of 14,453 new cases were recorded: 15.10% (2021), 17.76% (2022), 32.78% (2023), and 34.35% (2024). Most cases occurred in women (52.46%) and in people identified as mixed-race (58.44%). The most affected age groups were 50–59 years (24.27%) and 40–49 years (23.30%). Regarding schooling, incomplete elementary levels predominated: 1 st –4 th grade (16.10%) and 5 th –8 th grade (14.01%). The most common clinical form was borderline/dimorphous (80.89%), and most cases were multibacillary. This pattern suggests late diagnosis and possible underreporting of early cases. High incidence among people with low schooling and in economically active ages highlights the disease’s social impact. The predominance among mixed-race individuals reinforces inequities in access to health care. Underreporting may be worsened in remote areas, such as rural, Indigenous, and riverside communities. These findings point to the need for intensified surveillance, active case finding, and training of health professionals. Therefore, although Mato Grosso presents high detection rates, the data suggest that this scenario may underestimate the true number of people affected. The combination of a high disease burden, delayed diagnosis, and social vulnerabilities consolidates the state as a critical area for tackling leprosy in Brazil. Addressing leprosy in Mato Grosso thus requires clinical actions, structural interventions, and public policies focused on equity in care and on eliminating the disease as a public health problem.