Continuous cough monitoring: a novel digital biomarker for TB diagnosis and treatment response monitoring
Summary
Continuous cough monitoring in a multi-country cohort of people being evaluated for Tuberculosis showed that people with TB cough a lot more often than those with other respiratory conditions. The distinct cough patterns in TB patients could be used for improved diagnosis and treatment response monitoring.
This paper focuses on the potential of using cough frequency as a biomarker for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and monitoring treatment response. The study underscores the significance of continuous cough monitoring as a non-invasive method, which could aid in reducing overtreatment in individuals without TB and improve detection in cases missed by standard symptom-based screenings. This approach represents a significant advance in TB management, offering a more precise and patient-friendly diagnostic tool. The study also highlights the possibility of reducing overtreatment in individuals who do not have TB and emphasizes the importance of innovative digital biomarkers in enhancing TB management, offering a more precise and patient-friendly diagnostic tool.
