Aspectos epidemiológicos de ftiríase em Uberlândia - MG

Abstract

Introduction: Phthiriasis, as well as pediculosis, is an ectoparasitosis caused by sucking lice of the phylum Arthropoda, class Insecta, order Phthiraptera, suborder Anoplura. Worldwide, infestations by Pthirus pubis affect approximately 2% of the adult population. Studies focusing on the epidemiology of phthiriasis are limited, particularly in Brazil. Therefore, epidemiological studies focusing on the region of Uberlândia-MG are necessary. Additionally, the global pandemic scenario that began in 2020 created the need to investigate how sanitary measures employed in the control of COVID-19 may be associated with the epidemiological behavior of phthiriasis. Objectives: To verify the overall occurrence of phthiriasis cases recorded in a public hospital from 2010 to 2023 in Uberlândia-MG and in other cities of the state; to analyze a possible association of phthiriasis with age group, sex, and origin (residence) of patients; and to verify a possible association between the COVID-19 pandemic and this ectoparasitosis. Methods: This was a descriptive and retrospective study, based on hospital records of 178 infested patients from 2010 to 2023. The factors analyzed were age, sex, and patient origin. Prevalence rates were estimated with 95% confidence intervals. The statistical significance of associations between nominal variables was assessed using contingency tables and the Pearson chi-square test with Yates’ correction, adopting a significance level of 0.05. The software used were JAMOVI and SPSS v. 22. The research followed CNS Resolution nº 510, April 7, 2016. Results: Of the 178 patients with ectoparasitoses (P. humanus and P. pubis), 36 were positive for phthiriasis (20.22%). The highest prevalence was in males (58.7%), and the largest number of cases occurred in the 1–20 year age group (38.9%). Uberlândia accounted for the highest number of cases of ectoparasitosis, while other cities recorded 7 cases. Conclusion: Despite the low prevalence, the results reinforce the importance of continuous surveillance and health education. The scarcity of studies highlights the need for future research to better understand and control phthiriasis.