Chronic Kidney Disease from a Parasitological Perspective: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a challenging health concern, affecting significant number of people across different parts of the world. This review focused on the role of parasitic infections in the development of acute kidney infections (AKI) or progression of AKI to CKD and highlights comprehensive overview on the current understanding of this disease from a parasitological point of view.

This review shows that numerous parasites-linked infections; schistosomiasis, filariasis, plasmodiasis and leishmaniasis, have been correlated to the development and progression of Chronic Kidney Disease. These parasites can affect the kidneys by directly causing inflammation and or tissue damage, that may result to reduced kidney performance and consequently developing CKD.

Likewise risk factors and geographic distribution of these parasitic infections were highlighted, which could help in identifying populations at high-risk. furthermore, the mechanisms by which these parasites contribute to CKD pathogenesis such as oxidative stress, immune-mediated injury, and alterations in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system were also discussed.

The review also sheds light on potential therapeutic measures targeting these parasites for the early detection, prevention, and treatment of CKD.

Keywords: Chronic Kidney Disease, Parasitic Infections, Schistosoma, Malaria, Glomerulonephritis, Nephropathy.