Under India's National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), which of the following is the correct case definition for 'confirmed malaria' as per current guidelines?

• A Fever alone in an endemic district, regardless of laboratory confirmation
• B Fever with chills and a positive rapid diagnostic test (RDT) OR microscopy positive for malaria parasite ✓
• C Fever with positive blood smear for P. falciparum only; P. vivax cases are treated presumptively
• D A positive PCR for Plasmodium in a symptomatic patient, with RDT being insufficient

Explanation

Under NVBDCP/NMCP guidelines, confirmed malaria is defined as a case with fever (current or history of fever within 48 hours) with a positive parasitological test — either microscopy (thick and thin blood smear) or a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) detecting malaria antigens (HRP-2 for P. falciparum, pLDH for P. vivax/mixed). Treatment should be based on species confirmation; presumptive treatment without confirmation is no longer recommended except in specific circumstances (remote, no diagnostics). PCR is used for surveillance, not routine case confirmation.

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.