What does this research mean for the field?

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted leprosy control in Brazil, leading to a decline in diagnosis and an increase in treatment abandonment, particularly among males. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.CONFIRMATORY. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.CHALLENGES_CONSENSUS.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced leprosy diagnosis and treatment in Brazil.

February 19, 2026Open Access

Brazil accounts for nearly 90% of the leprosy cases in the Americas

Key Points

The study aims to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced leprosy diagnosis and treatment in Brazil.
Analyzed epidemiological data from 2018 to 2023 in Mossoró-RN.
Assessed treatment abandonment rates during the pandemic.
Evaluated the effects of COVID-19 co-infection among leprosy patients.
The average weekly number of leprosy cases declined post-pandemic.
Higher treatment dropout rates were observed during the acute phase of COVID-19.
Males were significantly more likely to abandon treatment (OR 6.32; p = 0.013).
Out of 57 leprosy patients tested, 21 were COVID-19 positive with no severe symptoms.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Leprosy is endemic to Brazil. The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have affected diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Study in Mossoró-RN (2018-2023) analyzing epidemiological data, treatment abandonment, and COVID-19 co-infection. Results: The average weekly number of cases declined during the post-pandemic period. The dropout rate was higher during the acute phase. Male sex was associated with dropout (odds ratio OR, 6.32; p = 0.013). Of the 57 patients tested for COVID-19, 21 tested positive, with no clinical aggravation. Conclusions: The pandemic has affected leprosy control. Local strategies helped reduce the impact, and co-infection did not worsen the disease.

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