Introduction:

Leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in Paraguay and although it represents a high burden in morbidity and mortality, there are not enough publications on its epidemiology.

Objective:

To describe the epidemiological and entomological characteristics of tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis recorded in Paraguay in the period 2017-2020.

Methodology:

Descriptive, retrospective study of the epidemiology and vectors associated with tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis in the period 2017-2020. The information was taken from the annual reports of SENEPA (2017-2020) and the epidemiological bulletins issued by the General Directorate of Health Surveillance (DGVS) of the MSPyBS of Paraguay.

Results:

Between 2017 and 2020, 278 cases of tegumentary leishmaniasis and 101 cases of LV were recorded. The highest number of LT cases was observed in the department of San Pedro with 61 cases (22%), followed by Canindeyú with 49 cases (17.6%) and Caaguazú with 38 cases (13.8%). Visceral leishmaniasis was mainly recorded in the Central department with 59 cases. The year 2017 had the highest number of cases. There was a higher number of male patients with tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis. From 2017 to 2019, the capture of Lutzomyia longipalpis sandflies (associated with the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis) and Nyssomyia whitmani, Nyssomyia neivai (associated with tegumentary leishmaniasis) was recorded.

Conclusions:

The endemic departments in Paraguay for LV remain Central and for LT San Pedro, Canindeyú and Caaguazú with an annual increase in the frequency of cases. Lutzomyia longipalpis and Nyssomyia neivai are the most prevalent sandfly species. These findings highlight the need for continued surveillance and targeted control strategies to improve disease prevention and treatment.