Acute kidney injury in the tropics

The spectrum of acute kidney injury (AKI) encountered in the hospitals of the tropical zone countries is different from that seen in the non-tropical climate countries, most of which are high-income countries. The difference is explained in large part by the influence of environment on the epidemiology of human disease. The key features of geographic regions falling in the tropical zones are climatic, that is, high temperatures and absence of winter frost, and economic, that is, lower levels of income. The causes and presentation of tropical AKI reflect these prevailing cultural, socioeconomic, climatic, and eco-biological characteristics.Peculiarities of tropical climate support the propagation of several infectious organisms that can cause AKI and the disease-transmitting vectors. In contrast to the developed world, where AKI usually develops in already hospitalized patients with multiorgan problems and iatrogenic factors play a major role, tropical AKI is acquired in the community due to issues of public health importance such as safe water, sanitation, infection control, and good obstetric practices. Infections such as malaria, leptospirosis, typhus, HIV, and diarrhoeal diseases; envenomation by animals or insects; ingestion of toxic herbs or chemicals; intravascular haemolysis; poisoning; and obstetric complications form the bulk of AKI in the tropics. Poor access to modern medical facilities and practices such as seeking treatment from traditional faith-healers contribute to poor outcomes.AKI extracts macro- and microeconomic costs from the affected population and reduces productivity. Improvement in the outcomes of tropical AKI requires improvement in basic public health through effective interventions, and accessibility to effective medical care.