Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of community-based TB screening algorithms using computer-aided detection (CAD) technology alone compared with CAD combined with point-of-care C reactive protein testing in Lesotho and South Africa: protocol for a paired screen-positive trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge in many African communities, where underreporting and underdiagnosis are prevalent due to barriers in accessing care and inadequate diagnostic tools. This is particularly concerning in hard-to-reach areas with a high burden of TB/HIV co-infection, where missed or delayed diagnoses exacerbate disease transmission, increase mortality and lead to severe economic and health consequences. To address these challenges, it is crucial to evaluate innovative, cost-effective, community-based screening strategies that can improve early detection and linkage to care.

Methods and analysis

We conduct a prospective, community-based, diagnostic, pragmatic trial in communities of the Butha Buthe District in Lesotho a

SUBMITTER: Signorell A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12306269 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature