Evaluation of Renal Function Profile in Human Visceral Leishmaniasis (Kala-Azar) Patients: A Case of Western Tigray, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne protozoan infection that has a wide clinical spectrum in the tropics and subtropics. Kidney damage is frequently associated with increased morbidity and mortality in () patients. However, up to date, there is a very limited report on the effect of visceral leishmaniasis on kidney function profiling in Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the renal function profile in human (kala-azar) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human blood was taken from patients (n = 100) and healthy controls (n = 100) attending Kahsay Abera and Mearg Hospitals, Western Tigray of Ethiopia. Serum was separated according to the conventional protocol and kidney function profiling (creatinine, urea, and uric acid) was analyzed by Mindray 200E automated chemistry analyzer. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was also assessed in this study. The obtained data were processed using SPSS Version 23.0. Descriptive statistics, independent-test, and bivariate correlations were used for data analysis. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant at a 95% confidence level.

RESULTS

The mean serum creatinine level was found significantly higher, while respective serum urea and eGFR were significantly lower in patients compared to healthy controls. Specifically, from 100 cases, an increased level of serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid was found in 10%, 9% and 15% cases, respectively; meanwhile, a decreased serum urea and eGFR have been reported from 33% to 44% cases, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The finding of this study asserted that causes derangement in kidney activities characterized by alteration of renal function profile. This may indicate that is the determinant factor for developing kidney dysfunction. This study encourages researchers to engage in and its effect on other organ function profiles in humans and identify potential markers for both prevention and intervention.