Controle da tungíase em população indígena Xavante

Abstract

Tungiasis is a disease neglected by health services, public policies, the scientific community, the pharmaceutical industry, and financing institutions. Recognized as a serious health problem for vulnerable populations in Brazil, it occurs mainly in poor communities without basic sanitation. Its high prevalence is mainly among the elderly, children, and people with disabilities. Although morbidity is a preventable condition through primary health care, it has serious consequences for the health of the Xavante indigenous population, including secondary infections. Tungiasis is caused by the penetration of the flea, of the species Tunga penetrans, into the host's skin to feed on blood, which is essential for the development of the various stages of the flea during parasitosis. This study aims to develop an intervention protocol for the control of Tungiasis sensitive to the specificities of the Xavante Special Indigenous District. A cross-sectional, exploratory epidemiological study was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative methods, through semi-structured interviews with the Multidisciplinary Indigenous Health Teams and data from indigenous health information systems or from instruments for recording primary care activities in the territory. The results showed the prevalence of Tungiasis in humans and in coexisting animal reservoirs. The occurrence of tungiasis observed in the territory does not correspond to the small number of cases recorded in the information systems. The research identified several obstacles to the development of a specific protocol for the treatment and control of tungiasis in the Xavante territory, as well as for efficient lines of care. The results contribute to the evaluation of primary health care in the Xavante territory, especially actions aimed at the treatment and control of tungiasis. The technical-technological product developed focused on prevention through the education of children and adolescents and indigenous teachers.