A 2-year-old develops acute flaccid paralysis. The surveillance medical officer must judge whether the stool specimens meet the 'adequate' criterion for virological classification of this AFP case. Adequate stool collection requires:

• A Two samples taken 48 hours apart, both within 30 days of onset, each of at least 10 grams
• B One sample collected immediately at first examination, of any quantity
• C Three samples collected over the first 7 days, each of at least 5 grams
• D Two samples taken 24 hours apart, both within 14 days of onset of paralysis, each of at least 8 grams ✓

Explanation

WHO defines adequate specimens as two stool samples collected at least 24 hours apart, both within 14 days of onset of paralysis, each weighing at least 8 grams, transported cold to an accredited laboratory. Cases without adequate specimens cannot be excluded by culture and may drift toward 'compatible' classification if residual weakness or death follows. The 14-day limit exists because viral shedding falls sharply after the second week.

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.