Cough Audio Classification As a TB Triage Test

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH · Mar 30, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new way to help identify tuberculosis (TB) by analyzing the sounds of a person's cough. TB is a serious infection that can be deadly, especially for people living with HIV. The goal of this study is to see if a smartphone app that listens to cough sounds can effectively spot signs of TB, making it easier and faster for people to get the right tests and treatment. The researchers believe this technology could be a game-changer in finding TB cases early, especially in areas where access to healthcare is limited.

To join the trial, participants need to be at least 12 years old and must have had a cough for at least two weeks. They also need to agree to take an HIV test if they don’t already know their status. Those who have recently been treated for TB or have a cough with blood will not be eligible. If someone chooses to participate, they can expect to provide a cough sound recording and a sample for testing, with the hope that this innovative approach could lead to better TB diagnosis and treatment in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • participant must be at least 12 years old
• • participant must have a prolonged cough (for at least two weeks)
• • participant must provide informed consent
• • participant shall have a known HIV status or be willing to undergo standard of care HIV testing and counseling
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • individuals who refuse informed consent
• • individuals who have received treatment for TB in the 60 days prior to enrolment
• • individuals who are unable to provide a sputum specimen for microbiological testing
• • individuals who have haemoptysis or a bloody cough with any forced coughs for audio recordings