WSU TUBERCULOSIS GROUP LEADS TB RESEARCH IN THE EASTERN CAPE

The WSU Tuberculosis Group is a body committed to reducing the burden of tuberculosis (TB) in communities by tackling the disease in the Eastern Cape (EC) through innovation and public health advocacy.

This year, the group released a high-impact study wherein, Dr Lindiwe Modest Faye, led a comparative analysis using machine learning to predict latent TB infection (LTBI) outcomes in rural populations in line with United Nation’s sustainable development goal 3 which speaks to good health and wellbeing. This further cements WSU’s role as a leader in TB research.

In this study, machine learning refers to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse large datasets and identify patterns that help predict latent TB infection (LTBI) outcomes. The use of AI and ML models embodies WSU’s commitment to integrating technology into research and problem-solving.

“Using predictive modeling, this study aimed to identify key determinants influencing latent tuberculosis infection (a form of TB that stays hidden in the body) and the outcomes in rural EC. By applying both simple and more advanced methods the research sought to see how things like age, health, and what people know about TB might affect their chances of having latent TB,” said Faye.

She said that they also wanted to see if teaching people about TB would help them understand it better and encourage more people to get tested.

“The primary motivation stemmed from the fact that traditional methods of analysing data do not always work well when dealing with the complex and sometimes unpredictable ways that health factors affect each other in real life. The authors recognised the potential of machine learning to improve the early identification of high-risk individuals in resource-limited settings,” said Faye.

Faye said age, having a job, and being HIV-positive were linked to testing positive for LTBI.

“The study showed that giving the right TB information to the right people helped more high-risk individuals get tested and start treatment faster,” said Faye.

Faye added that the study provides a data-driven approach for early LTBI detection and highlight the importance of community education and behavior in TB control.

“The study also offers a scalable and cost-effective framework that can be applied to other rural or underserved communities across South Africa and similar contexts globally. It also addresses a pressing public health issue in a socioeconomically marginalised rural Eastern Cape Province,” said Faye.

“The study emphasised the importance of behavioral factors and misconceptions in influencing LTBI outcomes. Financial constraints and stigma were identified as key barriers to action, suggesting that free testing, counseling, and community health worker engagement are crucial next steps,” concluded Faye.

The team’s dedication to community-centered research and public health advocacy reinforces WSU’s commitment to driving impactful change in the fight against TB in the EC.

By Anita Roji