Balkan Endemic Nephropathy (BEN) is a chronic progressive kidney disease that primarily occurs in the Balkan regions of southeastern Europe, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and Bulgaria. This disease is characterized by bilateral kidney damage and ultimately leads to end-stage renal failure.
BEN is considered an environmental disease as it is associated with long-term exposure to specific environmental factors found in endemic regions. These factors include dietary intake of foods such as bread made from wheat contaminated with a naturally occurring toxin called aristolochic acid, as well as exposure to certain environmental toxins present in the soil and water sources.
The disease is known for its insidious onset, often remaining undetected until its advanced stages. Symptoms typically include fatigue, weight loss, recurrent urinary tract infections, and later, signs of kidney dysfunction like proteinuria (protein in urine) and decreased urine output. The disease progresses slowly and steadily, leading to chronic renal insufficiency.
BEN has been a significant public health concern in the affected regions due to its high prevalence and severe consequences. Efforts to prevent and control the disease have focused on reducing exposure to the environmental risk factors, advocating for proper food regulation and control, and promoting public health interventions to raise awareness and early detection among at-risk populations.
In summary, Balkan Endemic Nephropathy is a chronic kidney disease prevalent in the Balkan regions of southeastern Europe, primarily caused by exposure to specific environmental factors. It is characterized by progressive kidney damage leading to end-stage renal failure if left untreated.
