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.