Thailand-Myanmar – Migrant Screening using Delft Light & CAD4TB
Targeted TB screening among migrant farm workers along the Thailand–Myanmar border using AI-supported chest X-ray identified presumptive and confirmed TB cases, including among asymptomatic individuals. The intervention demonstrated the value of CAD4TB for reaching populations with limited access to healthcare.
Migrant populations with limited access to care
Screening migrants in the border area of Thailand–Myanmar, target population with difficulties visiting local hospitals.
AI-supported X-ray screening
Migrant workers were screened using chest X-ray with CAD4TB.
Identify presumptive TB cases
Presumptive TB cases were identified based on abnormal chest X-ray findings and/or TB symptoms.
Confirmatory testing
Presumptive TB cases were evaluated using sputum microscopy and GeneXpert testing.
Between end of 2019 until middle of 2021,
- Presumptive TB cases led to sputum microscopy and GeneXpert test.
- 12% (165 participants) had abnormal CXR findings and 12% (16) of those were diagnosed with TB.
- Among them, 13 had smear negative pulmonary TB and the other 3 were positive.
- For the 16 participants with a TB diagnosis, the median CAD4TB score was 70 and 14 had a score above 50.
- Non-TB participants had a CAD4TB score median of 43.10 out of 16 people were asymptomatic.
- CAD4TB-supported X-ray screening enabled TB detection among migrant workers, including asymptomatic cases.
- AI-supported screening is a valuable tool for TB case finding in cross-border and migrant settings.
REFERENCE: “Field TB screening of migrants living in Thailand-Myanmar Border Area with CAD4TB”, Dr Banyar M., SMRU (Shoklo Malaria Research Unit) presented at Delft Imaging’s Webinar on 14th October 2021