Kyasanur forest disease: A general clinical study in which some cases with neurological complications were observed

Abstract

Of 28 patients admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of possible KFD, 13 were proved positive by virus isolation and/or serological studies. The clinical diagnosis of KFD is discussed in relation to the positive and negative cases. A second phase of illness in the 2nd and 3rd week of the disease was a significant feature of several of the positive cases. Disturbances of the central nervous system associated with an abnormal CSF occurring during the second phase are described for the first time. Hypotension and bradycardia were found to be features of both the acute and second phases. The leucopenia in the acute phase was followed by a mild leucocytosis in the second phase. Significant falls in the haematocrit readings were observed during the course of the disease. Phagocytosis of erythrocytes, white blood cells and platelets was observed in the peripheral blood following the first phase. The relationship of Kyasanur forest disease to other clinical entities caused by the viruses of the RSS complex is discussed.