Under the polio eradication programme, a 3-year-old child with acute onset of flaccid weakness is reported as a case of AFP. For the case to qualify as virologically adequate, stool specimens must be:
- A Two samples collected at least 24 hours apart, within 14 days of onset of paralysis ✓
- B Two samples collected 48 hours apart, any time within 28 days of onset
- C One rectal swab within 7 days of admission to hospital
- D Two samples collected on consecutive days after initiation of treatment
Correct answer: A. Two samples collected at least 24 hours apart, within 14 days of onset of paralysis
Explanation
Adequate virological investigation requires two good-quality stool specimens collected at least 24 hours apart and within 14 days of onset of paralysis, reaching the laboratory cold-chain intact. B 48-hour interval with a 28-day window misses virus excretion peaks and delays culture beyond reliable yield. Rectal swabs are inferior to bulk stools, and collecting after treatment initiation has no bearing on adequacy.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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