Automated chest x-ray reading for childhood tuberculosis
Official title: The development and expansion of automated chest x-ray reading algorithms for childhood tuberculosis
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11565136 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pediatric-focused AI tool is being developed to read chest X-rays to help detect and manage tuberculosis in children, including those with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $65,130 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HL184914-01S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11565136 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and adolescents suspected of having TB (including those with HIV) who will undergo chest X-ray as part of standard care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with TB who are not evaluated with chest X-ray or who do not fit the pediatric age range may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to adapt and test AI-based chest X-ray interpretation specifically for children with TB, including those living with HIV. Researchers will fine-tune existing AI models on pediatric X-rays to improve screening, diagnosis, and assessment of disease severity. The work will involve evaluating the AI readings against clinical standards to ensure accuracy and safety in pediatric care settings. If successful, the tool could help clinicians make faster, more reliable treatment decisions for children who may not produce positive microbiological tests.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this tool could reduce missed pediatric TB diagnoses and help tailor treatment decisions for children, including those with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: AI-based chest X-ray reading has shown promise in adults; pediatric-specific validation is needed and this project seeks to provide that.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jaganath, Devan — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Jaganath, Devan
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.