A pilot retrospective study to understand the symptomatology and viral variations in Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV) infection
Title of the project: A pilot retrospective study to understand the symptomatology and viral variations in Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV) infection
Duration of the project: February 2025 to February 2026
Study funded by: Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India
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Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV), a tick-borne Flavivirus, has been a significant public health concern in India, particularly in the Western Ghats. First identified in Shivamogga, Karnataka, it is commonly known as “Monkey Fever.” The tick Haemaphysalis spinigera is the primary vector, though other tick species can also transmit the virus. Outbreaks have also been reported beyond Karnataka, notably in Wayanad (Kerala, 2013–2014), North Goa (2015), and Sindhudurg (Maharashtra, 2016). KFDV is considered endemic across five Indian states along the Western Ghats, underscoring its expanding impact on public health.
KFDV infection in humans causes a range of symptoms from asymptomatic illness to severe conditions like encephalitis and hemorrhagic fever. The disease typically begins with sudden fever, headache, and severe muscle pain, followed by diarrhoea and vomiting by the third or fourth day. Clinical examinations often reveal prostration, eye redness, photophobia, and lesions on the soft palate, with swollen cervical and axillary lymph nodes. In some cases, enlargement of the liver and spleen occurs. Blood tests consistently show leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, and liver enzyme levels may be elevated or normal. The case-fatality rate in India ranges from 3% to 10%.
The symptoms of KFDV differ from other flaviviruses like dengue and yellow fever. It shares about 89% genetic similarity with the Alkhurma Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (AHFV) from Saudi Arabia, suggesting a common ancestry. Initially endemic to the Shivamogga district, KFDV spread to neighbouring districts such as Udupi, Uttar Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, and Chikamagaluru. Despite ongoing studies, the clinical manifestations and their correlation with viral load remain incompletely understood, emphasising the need for further investigation into KFDV’s immunopathogenesis.
The current study aims to investigate the retrospective data from patient records available at the KMC, 必威体育betway888 and MIV 必威体育betway888 on the symptomatology and further evaluate the immunopathogenesis and viral load of KFDV in the samples. The major cytokines in the four seasons of KFDV infection will be evaluated, which will then be correlated with the viral load to understand the severity of the disease. The obtained data will be further correlated with any viral variations that have any impact on the symptomatology and immunopathogenesis.