Under NVBDCP, which rapid diagnostic test (RDT) is currently used for malaria diagnosis at the community level by ASHA workers in remote areas?

• A RDT detecting HRP-2 antigen specific for P. falciparum only
• B RDT detecting pLDH antigen specific for P. vivax only
• C RDT detecting aldolase enzyme common to all Plasmodium species
• D Bivalent RDT detecting HRP-2 (P. falciparum) and pLDH (pan-malarial) ✓

Explanation

NVBDCP uses bivalent RDTs that detect HRP-2 (P. falciparum-specific) and pan-pLDH (detecting all Plasmodium species). This allows species differentiation in the field. India has both P. falciparum and P. vivax, so bivalent RDTs are essential. Monovalent HRP-2 RDTs miss non-falciparum infections. Aldolase-based RDTs are less commonly used in the national program.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.