THE CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE OF UNKNOWN AETIOLOGY (CKDu) EPIDEMICS IN NORTHERN YOBE STATE

Abstract

Bade community in Northern Yobe State has been known as a ‘hotspot’ of chronic kidney disease of unknown source (CKDu). There have been high cases of chronic kidney disease of unknown underlying causes among the population based on hospital records. Despite the various research efforts to uncover the root cause of the disease in the area, the actual aetiology still appeared unknown. This study has reviewed all the research so far carried out regarding the disease so as to provide novel insight that will guide future research. Eleven (11) related peer-reviewed articles that focused directly or indirectly on the disease were surveyed and systematically reviewed. The findings of the relevant published articles totaling (5) were placed within the context of CKDu-related case studies particularly Sri Lankan Nephropathy and other relevant literature. The idea behind this decision is rooted from the similarity of the case as the two affected locales shared in common geography, means of livelihoods (paddy agriculture) and disease pattern. The review revealed that none of the previous investigations has drawn any scientific logical conclusion on the actual aetiology of Bade CKDu. However, previous studies have implicated exposure to heavy metals in various mediums (water and food resources) as potential ‘trigger’ of the disease. Therefore, it is suggested that adopting geospatially-fluent CKDu aetiology scouting approach could help to uncover the underlying cause of the disease in the area. The outcome that will emanate from adopting such type of approach will counter or confirm the existing speculations on the aetiology disease and in turn, will help concerned authorities address the issue.

Chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology in Africa: A review of the literature

“…Indeed, studies in Yobe state Nigeria, labelled as ‘CKDu hotspot’ based on hospital records, have shown high levels of arsenic, cadmium, copper, chromium and lead in river water, fish and human urine of CKD cases and controls. High levels of heavy metals in CKD patient's urine and blood samples exceeding WHO permissible limits were also reported in the area 115 . Higher levels of iron, cobalt and lead in the blood and selenium in the urine of non‐diabetic CKD patients than controls were observed in a semi urban city study 116 .…”

“…High levels of heavy metals in CKD patient's urine and blood samples exceeding WHO permissible limits were also reported in the area. 115 Higher levels of iron, cobalt and lead in the blood and selenium in the urine of non-diabetic CKD patients than controls were observed in a semi urban city study. 116 Similarly, studies in Egypt have shown the harmful effect of cadmium and lead exposure on the kidney and the deterioration of kidney function correlating with increased metal levels.…”

Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Origin: Think Beyond Common Etiologies

“…Despite numerous attempts to find the condition's genuine cause in the region, the exact etiology remained a mystery. Previous research suggests that exposure to heavy metals through various channels may act as a disease "magnet" [ 14 ].…”