Comparative hematological parameters at admission in Kyasanur forest disease: a single centre study in Goa

Chitralekha Nayak; Ruth Viegas; Edwin Gomes

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263614

Authors

Chitralekha Nayak Department of Medicine, Healthway Hospitals, Goa, India
Ruth Viegas Dr. Ruth Clinic, Vasco da Gama, Goa, India
Edwin Gomes Department of Geriatric Medicine, Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Tiswadi, North Goa, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263614

Keywords:

Hematological parameters, Viral hemorrhagic fever, Thrombocytopenia, Goa, Kyasanur forest disease

Abstract

Background: Kyasanur forest disease (KFD) is a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever endemic to southern India. This study describes the clinical profile and hematological parameters of confirmed KFD cases in a tertiary care center in Goa.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at Goa Medical College, from June 2016 to June 2017. Medical records of adult patients with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed KFD were reviewed. Demographic data, clinical features, and laboratory parameters were analyzed descriptively. Patients with incomplete medical records or non-confirmed diagnoses were excluded.

Results: A total of 57 patients were enrolled, with female predominance 36 (63.2%) and a mean age of 41.6±15.7 years. Fever was universal, with gastrointestinal and myalgia symptoms. Bleeding occurred in 10 (17.5%), and neurological involvement developed in 30% by day 5–6. Leucopenia was documented in 52 (91.2%), neutropenia in 48 (84.2%), and thrombocytopenia in 40 (70.2%). Transaminitis was observed in 51 (90.2%), while hyperbilirubinemia and renal dysfunction were rare. Most patients recovered by day 7; one death occurred due to pneumonia-related complications.

Conclusion: KFD is characterized by early cytopenias and hepatic involvement following a predictable temporal pattern. Early diagnosis and phase-specific monitoring are essential to optimize outcomes.

References

Work TH, Trapido H. Summary of preliminary report of investigations of the Virus Research Centre on an epidemic disease affecting forest villagers and wild monkeys of Shimoga District, Mysore. Indian J Med Sci. 1957;11(5):341–2.

Pattnaik P. Kyasanur forest disease: an epidemiological view in India. Rev Med Virol. 2006;16(3):151–65.

Holbrook MR. Kyasanur forest disease. Antiviral Res. 2012;96(3):353–62.

Kyasanur Forest Disease cases detected in Goa since January | Goa News - Times of India. Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa. Accessed on 21 January 2026.

Kyasanur Forest Disease: 82 cases of Kyasanur Forest Disease reported since January. Goa News - Times of India. Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city. Accessed on 21

Kasabi GS, Murhekar MV, Yadav PD, Raghunandan R, Kiran SK, Sandhya VK, et al. Kyasanur Forest Disease, India, 2011–2012. Emerg Infect Dis. 2013;19(2):278–81.

Gladson V, Moosan H, Mathew S. Clinical and laboratory diagnostic features of kyasanur forest disease: a study from Wayanad, South India. Cureus. 2019;13(12):204.

Gupta N, Chunduru K, Safeer K M, Saravu K. Clinical and laboratory profile of patients with Kyasanur forest disease: A single-centre study of 192 patients from Karnataka, India. J Clinical Virol. 2021;5:135.

Vedachalam SK, Rajput BL, Choudhary S, Narayanaswamy D, Chandra S, D. M. P, et al. Kyasanur Forest Disease: An Epidemiological Investigation and Case-Control Study in Shivamogga, Karnataka, India-2022. Int J Public Health. 2024;69:1606715.

Chunduru K, Saravu K. Kyasanur Forest Disease: A Review on the Emerging Infectious Disease. J Clin Infect Dis Soc. 2023;1(1):5.

Vedachalam SK, Rajput BL, Choudhary S, Arumugam B, Shewale AD, Mahadevappa PD, et al. Descriptive epidemiology of Kyasanur Forest Disease in Thirthahalli taluk, Shivamogga, Karnataka, 2018–2022. Discover Public Health. 2025;22:130.