Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Aetilogy in Sri Lanka

Prof. Kamani Wanigasuriya is conducting research in the field of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) with a special interest in the CKD of unknown aetiology in the North Central province of Sri Lanka.

CKD is a major health care problem in the region and is not associated with conventional risk factors. The disease mainly affects males from poor socio-economic backgrounds who are involved in paddy farming. Renal biopsies of these patients were reported as interstitial nephritis raising the concern of possible toxin exposure. The aetiology still remains a mystery. Current research is focused on the urinary biomarkers to identify the disease at a early stage and the urinary excretion of heavy metals in disease and control populations.