Poles of American tegumentary leishmaniasis production in northern Parana State, Brazil

American tegumentary leishmaniasis is endemic in the State of Parana, with 99.3% of the cases reported in the South of Brazil. Spatial distribution of the disease in northern Parana was verified, identifying the most relevant geographic areas in epidemiological terms. The study used data recorded on epidemiological forms from the Teaching and Research Clinical Test Laboratory of the State University in Maringa, from 1987 to 2004. The study only included individuals that were infected in the municipalities (counties) in northern Parana. Identification of the epidemiological units (poles and circuits) was based on spatial density of cases, according to the model proposed by the National Health Foundation, considering the most likely infection sites. Considering 1,933 reported cases, 1,611 were infected in northern Parana. American tegumentary leishmaniasis distribution in Parana State suggests two circuits for production of the disease: Parana-Paranapanema, highlighting the Cinzas-Laranjinha, Tibagi, Ivai-Pirapo, Piquiri, and Baixo Iguacu poles, and Ribeira, highlighting the Alto Ribeira pole.