Personalized Medicine and Chronic Kidney Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa: Advances and Challenges

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease is increasing in prevalence sub-Saharan Africa, largely driven by the growing burden of hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and HIV infection. Underlying common and rare genetic variants may add to this risk at both the individual and population levels.Here we explore the advances and challenges in the translation of genetic discovery to personalized medicine for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children and adults living in sub-Saharan Africa. The review discusses monogenic and polygenic causes of CKD with a focus on the African-specific APOL1 and NPHS2 variants. In summary, advances in genomics research capacity herald improvement in health outcomes through personalized medicine, precision molecular diagnosis of diseases, and through public health initiatives targeting high-risk populations.