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Disentangling the role of environmental factors in the CKDu epidemic

Nature Reviews Nephrology volume 22, pages 176–177 (2026)Cite this article

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Chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu) has been reported in various tropical settings over the past 20 years, but clarity on key disease drivers is lacking. Several factors have slowed progress in understanding this disease or diseases, including low research funding, difficult case definition and multiple risk factors for kidney disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia

    Nicholas J. Osborne

  2. School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia

    Nicholas J. Osborne

  3. European Centre for Environment and Human Health (ECEHH), University of Exeter Medical School, Penryn, UK

    Nicholas J. Osborne

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  1. Nicholas J. Osborne
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Correspondence to Nicholas J. Osborne.

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Osborne, N.J. Disentangling the role of environmental factors in the CKDu epidemic. Nat Rev Nephrol 22, 176–177 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41581-026-01054-4

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