Neurological Involvement and Epidemiological Profile of Leprosy in an Endemic Region of Southeastern Brazil: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease characterized by marked neurotropism affecting the peripheral nervous system, with Brazil carrying the second-highest absolute burden of the disease globally. In the state of Minas Gerais, the municipality of Paracatu stands out as a regional hub facing socio-spatial challenges that hinder timely diagnosis. The objective of this study is to analyze the 5-year neuroepidemiological profile of Hansen’s disease in Paracatu, Minas Gerais, by evaluating the association between the operational classification and the severity of peripheral neurological disabilities. Methodology: This is a systematic review and analytical epidemiological study conducted in accordance with the strict guidelines of PRISMA 2020. A search of the PubMed and Scopus databases yielded 830 initial records, from which a rigorous final sample of 20 primary scientific articles was selected after screening and the application of strict eligibility criteria. Results and Discussion: The data synthesis demonstrates that the absence of systematic neurofunctional monitoring in primary care and delays in etiological diagnosis act as determining factors in the progression of reversible neuropathies to permanent physical disabilities (Grades 1 and 2). The analysis corroborates high-impact literature by demonstrating that damage to peripheral nerve trunks is not merely a cutaneous epiphenomenon, but a primary neurological emergency resulting from local immuno-inflammatory cascades. Final Considerations: We conclude that addressing the disabling burden of leprosy requires the decentralization of highly sensitive diagnostic methods and a transition to predictive medicine. The definitive integration of leprosy-related neuritis into contemporary clinical neurology is essential to mitigate sequelae, preserve functional autonomy and ensure excellence in public health care.