An 8-month-old infant develops acute flaccid paralysis. As per polio eradication surveillance standards, how should stool specimens be collected for virological confirmation?
- A One specimen collected immediately on reporting
- B Two specimens collected 24 to 48 hours apart, both within 14 days of onset of paralysis ✓
- C Three specimens collected weekly over 21 days from onset
- D Two rectal swabs taken simultaneously at first contact
Correct answer: B. Two specimens collected 24 to 48 hours apart, both within 14 days of onset of paralysis
Explanation
WHO standards require two adequate stool specimens collected at least 24 hours apart, ideally 24 to 48 hours apart, and both within 14 days of onset of paralysis, each of sufficient quantity and reaching the laboratory in good condition. A single specimen misses intermittent viral excretion and simultaneous rectal swabs add nothing. Adequacy of these two specimens is itself a key AFP surveillance quality indicator.
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.