Chest Radiographic Patterns and the Transmission of Tuberculosis: Implications for Automated Systems.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Computer-aided detection to identify and diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis is being explored. While both cavitation on chest radiograph and smear-positivity on microscopy are independent risk factors for the infectiousness of pulmonary tuberculosis it is unknown which radiographic pattern, were it detectable, would provide the greatest public health benefit; i.e. reduced transmission. Herein we provide that evidence.

Objectives

1) to determine whether pulmonary tuberculosis in a high income, low incidence country is more likely to present with "typical" adult-type pulmonary tuberculosis radiographic features and 2) to determine whether those with "typical" radiographic features are more likely than those without such features to transmit the organism and/or cause se

SUBMITTER: Lau A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4841548 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature