In a district with P. falciparum malaria, the Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER) is 12% and Slide Positivity Rate (SPR) is 2.5%. Based on these indices, the malaria burden classification and surveillance adequacy are:
- A ABER ≥10% — surveillance is adequate; SPR 2.5% indicates moderate burden ✓
- B ABER <10% — surveillance is inadequate; SPR indicates low burden
- C ABER ≥10% — surveillance is adequate; SPR 2.5% indicates high-risk zone
- D ABER and SPR are unrelated indices and should not be interpreted together
Correct answer: A. ABER ≥10% — surveillance is adequate; SPR 2.5% indicates moderate burden
Explanation
ABER (proportion of population tested per year × 100) should be ≥10% for adequate surveillance under NVBDCP — here it is 12%, indicating adequate active case detection. SPR (proportion of examined slides that are positive) of 2.5% indicates moderate endemicity; high-risk is generally >5% SPR. The Annual Parasite Incidence (API) combines both indices. ABER <10% suggests surveillance gaps, not a finding here.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.