Computer vision applications for the detection or analysis of tuberculosis using digitised human lung tissue images - a systematic review.

Journal: BMC medical imaging
Published Date:

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of the computer vision applications that detect, diagnose, or analyse tuberculosis (TB) pathology or bacilli using digitised human lung tissue images either through automatic or semi-automatic methods. We categorised the computer vision platform into four technologies: image processing, object/pattern recognition, computer graphics, and deep learning. In this paper, the focus is on image processing and deep learning (DL) applications for either 2D or 3D digitised human lung tissue images. This review is useful for establishing a common practice in TB analysis using human lung tissue as well as identifying opportunities for further research in this space. The review brings attention to the state-of-art techniques for detecting TB, with emphasis on the challenges and limitations of the current techniques. The ultimate goal is to promote the development of more efficient and accurate algorithms for the detection or analysis of TB, and raise awareness about the importance of early detection.

Authors

  • Kapongo D Lumamba
    School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of Kwazulu Natal (UKZN), King Edward Avenue, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, KwaZulu Natal, Republic of South Africa. 221027473@stu.ukzn.ac.za.
  • Gordon Wells
    Africa Health Research Institute, UKZN, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban, 10587, KwaZulu Natal, Republic of South Africa.
  • Delon Naicker
    Africa Health Research Institute, UKZN, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban, 10587, KwaZulu Natal, Republic of South Africa.
  • Threnesan Naidoo
    Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa and Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa.
  • Adrie J C Steyn
    Africa Health Research Institute, UKZN, 719 Umbilo Road, Durban, 10587, KwaZulu Natal, Republic of South Africa.
  • Mandlenkosi Gwetu
    Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Engineering, Banghoek Rd, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 7600, Republic of South Africa. mgwetu@sun.ac.za.