A comprehensive evaluation of an artificial intelligence based digital pathology to monitor large-scale deworming programs against soil-transmitted helminths: A study protocol.

Journal: PloS one
PMID: 39466830

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Manual screening of a Kato-Katz (KK) thick stool smear remains the current standard to monitor the impact of large-scale deworming programs against soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). To improve this diagnostic standard, we recently designed an artificial intelligence based digital pathology system (AI-DP) for digital image capture and analysis of KK thick smears. Preliminary results of its diagnostic performance are encouraging, and a comprehensive evaluation of this technology as a cost-efficient end-to-end diagnostic to inform STH control programs against the target product profiles (TPP) of the World Health Organisation (WHO) is the next step for validation.

Authors

  • Peter K Ward
    Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
  • Sara Roose
    Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
  • Mio Ayana
    Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
  • Lindsay A Broadfield
    Enaiblers AB, Uppsala, Sweden.
  • Peter Dahlberg
    Enaiblers AB, Uppsala, Sweden.
  • Narcis Kabatereine
    Vector Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda.
  • Adama Kazienga
    Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
  • Zeleke Mekonnen
    Institute of Health, School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
  • Betty Nabatte
    Vector Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda.
  • Lieven Stuyver
    Scientific Advisor, Zottegem, Belgium.
  • Fiona Vande Velde
    Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
  • Sofie Van Hoecke
    IDLab, Department of Electronics and information systems, Ghent University-Imec, Zwijnaarde, Belgium.
  • Bruno Levecke
    Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.

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