Communicable diseases: TB case definition: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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PSM · Communicable diseases: TB case definition

Sample item

In the National TB Elimination Programme, a patient whose sputum is positive on a WHO-approved rapid molecular test (CBNAAT) is classified as:

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Microbiologically confirmed TB

A person with a biological specimen positive by smear microscopy, culture or WHO-recommended rapid molecular test is a microbiologically confirmed case. Clinically diagnosed cases lack bacteriological confirmation but are treated on clinical grounds.

Option by option

  • A. Microbiologically confirmed TB (correct)

    Correct. A positive molecular test confirms the case.

  • B. Presumptive TB only

    Presumptive TB refers to a person suspected of having TB before testing.

  • C. Clinically diagnosed TB

    Clinically diagnosed cases lack microbiological confirmation.

  • D. Latent TB infection

    Latent infection has no active disease.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is A, Microbiologically confirmed TB. A person with a biological specimen positive by smear microscopy, culture or WHO-recommended rapid molecular test is a microbiologically confirmed case.

Why is "Presumptive TB only" not the answer?

Presumptive TB refers to a person suspected of having TB before testing.

Why is "Clinically diagnosed TB" not the answer?

Clinically diagnosed cases lack microbiological confirmation.

Why is "Latent TB infection" not the answer?

Latent infection has no active disease.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Communicable diseases: TB case definition in PSM. Clinically diagnosed cases lack bacteriological confirmation but are treated on clinical grounds.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Communicable diseases: TB case definition?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.