Under NVBDCP, the operational definition of a confirmed malaria case for treatment initiation in a primary health centre setting is:

• A Fever ≥38.5°C plus positive malaria antigen rapid diagnostic test (RDT)
• B Fever ≥37.5°C plus splenomegaly grade ≥2 on Hackett's scale
• C Positive PCR for Plasmodium species regardless of clinical status
• D Positive peripheral blood smear OR positive RDT in a fever case ✓

Explanation

NVBDCP defines a confirmed malaria case as any case that is either smear-positive or RDT-positive for Plasmodium in the context of a clinical presentation. Both microscopy and RDTs are accepted parasitological confirmation methods at peripheral levels. Treatment should not be started on clinical grounds alone without parasitological confirmation (except in severe cases). PCR is a reference laboratory technique not routinely used for programme-level treatment decisions. Splenomegaly criteria relate to Spleen Rate, an epidemiological indicator, not individual case definition.

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.