OBJECTIVE: To use an automated method to detect tubercle bacilli in sputum specimens. STUDY DESIGN: Using fluorescence microscopy, tubercle bacilli were identified on auramine-stained sputum specimens. Images were then captured with a digital camera and enhanced through imaging processing techniques. The bacilli were recognized using neural network classifiers. RESULTS: This preliminary investigation demonstrated a sensitivity of 94.1% for the identification of individual bacilli. As there are usually fairly numerous tubercle bacilli in the sputum of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis, the overall diagnostic accuracy of sputum smear-positive patients can be expected to be very high. CONCLUSION: Potential benefits of automated screening for TB bacilli are: rapid, accurate, inexpensive diagnosis; the ability to screen larger numbers of people; increased resources to monitor patients; and reduction in health risks to staff.
OBJECTIVE: To use an automated method to detect tubercle bacilli in sputum specimens. STUDY DESIGN: Using fluorescence microscopy, tubercle bacilli were identified on auramine-stained sputum specimens. Images were then captured with a digital camera and enhanced through imaging processing techniques. The bacilli were recognized using neural network classifiers. RESULTS: This preliminary investigation demonstrated a sensitivity of 94.1% for the identification of individual bacilli. As there are usually fairly numerous tubercle bacilli in the sputum of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis, the overall diagnostic accuracy of sputum smear-positive patients can be expected to be very high. CONCLUSION: Potential benefits of automated screening for TB bacilli are: rapid, accurate, inexpensive diagnosis; the ability to screen larger numbers of people; increased resources to monitor patients; and reduction in health risks to staff.
Authors: J M Castillo-Secilla; M Saval-Calvo; L Medina-Valdès; S Cuenca-Asensi; A Martínez-Álvarez; C Sánchez; G Cristóbal Journal: Biomed Opt Express Date: 2017-02-22 Impact factor: 3.732
Authors: Rethabile Khutlang; Sriram Krishnan; Ronald Dendere; Andrew Whitelaw; Konstantinos Veropoulos; Genevieve Learmonth; Tania S Douglas Journal: IEEE Trans Inf Technol Biomed Date: 2009-09-01
Authors: James J Lewis; Violet N Chihota; Minty van der Meulen; P Bernard Fourie; Katherine L Fielding; Alison D Grant; Susan E Dorman; Gavin J Churchyard Journal: PLoS One Date: 2012-11-29 Impact factor: 3.240