The Stegomyia indices are used for measuring Aedes aegypti density in a locality for dengue risk assessment. Which index is considered the MOST sensitive indicator of dengue transmission risk?
- A House Index (HI)
- B Container Index (CI)
- C Breteau Index (BI) ✓
- D Adult mosquito density (landing rate per hour)
Correct answer: C. Breteau Index (BI)
Explanation
Breteau Index (BI) = (Number of positive containers per 100 houses inspected) is considered the MOST comprehensive Stegomyia index because it accounts for both the proportion of infested houses AND the number of positive containers per house, giving a more complete picture of transmission risk. House Index (HI) = % infested houses; Container Index (CI) = % positive containers among all water-holding containers. WHO threshold: BI >20, HI >1 indicates dengue risk. BI is more informative than HI alone as it reflects container abundance.
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.