AI-Powered Microscope Detects Malaria With 88% Accuracy

In a recent study published in the Frontiers in Malaria journal, researchers analyzed over 1,200 blood samples obtained from travelers returning to the UK from countries where malaria is widespread. They evaluated the AI-microscope system’s accuracy within a genuine clinical setting under optimal conditions.

Study Achieves 88% Diagnostic Accuracy

Dr. Roxanne Rees-Channer, a researcher at The Hospital for Tropical Diseases at UCLH in the UK, mentioned, “The AI system identified malaria parasites at an accuracy rate of around 88%, compared to experts.” She added that this performance level in a clinical context is a notable accomplishment for AI algorithms targeting malaria.

Rees-Channer further emphasized, “This suggests that the system can indeed function as a valuable tool for malaria diagnosis in suitable situations.” The team assessed samples using both manual light microscopy and the AI-microscope system. While 113 samples were manually identified as containing malaria parasites, the AI system correctly detected 99 samples as positive, achieving an accuracy rate of 88%.

AI-Enhanced Microscope Shows Promise in Malaria Detection

The potential advantages of automated malaria diagnosis were highlighted by the researchers. Rees-Channer noted that even experienced microscopists can make errors, particularly when dealing with high workloads. “The automated diagnosis of malaria using AI could alleviate this burden on microscopists and consequently increase the number of patients that can be managed,” she explained. Additionally, these systems produce consistent outcomes and can be widely implemented, the researchers affirmed.

Reference :

1. Automated malaria detection system developed using AI and a microscope – (https:eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2023/08/automated-malaria-detection-system-developed-using-ai-and-a-microscope/)

Source: Medindia