International experts have developed a TB detection algorithm that can accurately identify the disease in children. Photo: File
Dhaka: In the 21st century, the identification of a disease like TB still remains a mystery, with many cases going undiagnosed. Now with the help of computer algorithm looking at sputum and X-ray can be of great help in correct diagnosis of pulmonary TB especially in children.
An international team of experts has developed an algorithm for poor and under-resourced areas that can identify TB in children with extraordinary accuracy. This can help in timely treatment and save lives.
Algorithms are actually sets of computer instructions and are increasingly used in medicine. Now they can be of immense help in the diagnosis of TB. In this way, the work pressure on the medical staff itself can be reduced which results in better decision making.
Dr. Shakeel Ahmed of Bangladesh has used it and presented a detailed report in Lancet Child. According to him, even in rich countries, the identification of TB in children is often missed and thus a large number of them live with the disease and the disease comes out when the water rises above the head.
Dr. Shakeel Ahmed asserts that his algorithm now needs to be included in medical guidelines in developing countries. However, primary medical staff will need to be trained.
Algorithms include symptoms, clinical (sputum) tests, chest x-rays, and history. Based on this, the algorithm displays the risk level as a number. This helps in the diagnosis and treatment of TB in the child.
It should be noted that the data of children under 10 years of age from 12 countries were included in this algorithm. After that, a point system is made on fever etc. and other symptoms and accordingly the presence or absence of disease in the child is indicated.
According to Dr. Amita Gupta of Johns Hopkins University Hospital, who was involved in the development of the algorithm, the accuracy rate of the algorithm is very high. It is easy to use which can be easily used in remote areas. This test has been tried in India and Bangladesh with great results.
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