Browsing by Author "Wanigasuriya, K. P."

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Chronic renal failure in North Central Province of Sri Lanka: an environmentally induced disease
    (Oxford University Press, 2007) Wanigasuriya, K. P.; Peiris-John, R. J.; Wickremasinghe, R.; Hittarage, A.
    This study was conducted to determine the aetiology of chronic renal failure (CRF) in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Patients (n=183) with CRF of unknown aetiology were compared with controls (n=200) who had no evidence of chronic renal dysfunction. Exposure to possible risk factors were determined by an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Being a farmer (P<0.001), using pesticides (P<0.001), drinking well water (P<0.001), a family history of renal dysfunction (P=0.001), use of ayurvedic treatment (P<0.001) and a history of snake bite (P<0.001) were risk factors for CRF of unknown aetiology. Using logistic regression analysis, a family history of chronic renal disease, taking ayurvedic treatment and history of snake bite were found to be significant predictors for CRF of unknown aetiology. There is evidence to support an environmental aetiology to CRF in Sri Lanka.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Could ochratoxin A in food commodities be the cause of chronic kidney disease in Sri Lanka?
    (Oxford University Press, 2008) Wanigasuriya, K. P.; Peiris, H.; Ileperuma, N.; Peiris-John, R. J.; Wickremasinghe, R.
    Ochratoxin A (OA) is a naturally occurring mycotoxin with nephrotoxic properties that can contaminate plant food products. OA concentrations were assessed in commonly consumed food items in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, where chronic kidney disease is diagnosed at epidemic proportions. Ninety-eight randomly selected food samples were analysed. Mycotoxin was detected in the extract by using a MycoMonitor OchratoxinA ELISA assay kit (Helica Biosystems Inc., USA). The levels of OA found in these food commodities were below the recommended statutory maximum limit and are unlikely to be a potential risk factor for nephropathy in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka.