Under NVBDCP, which of the following is the CURRENT diagnostic criteria for malaria that warrants immediate notification and artemisinin-based combination therapy?

• A Positive RDT for pan-malarial antigen (pLDH) for P. vivax
• B Positive RDT for PfHRP-2 ✓
• C Clinical diagnosis based on fever pattern alone
• D Positive thick smear for P. malariae

Explanation

Under NVBDCP guidelines, PfHRP-2 (Plasmodium falciparum Histidine-Rich Protein 2) positive RDT confirms P. falciparum malaria, which mandates immediate notification and ACT (Artesunate + Amodiaquine or Artemether-Lumefantrine). Parasite-based diagnosis (RDT or microscopy) is mandatory before treatment — clinical diagnosis alone is not acceptable. P. vivax (pLDH positive) uses chloroquine + primaquine. P. malariae is also treated with chloroquine but does not require ACT.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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