Stellenbosch University researchers developing mobile app to detect TB cough

CAPE TOWN - Stellenbosch University researchers are developing a mobile app that will be able to detect a cough caused by tuberculosis (TB).

According to the university, the innovative tool will be able to detect patients that need further examination to fast-track TB diagnosis.

The institution said the mobile-based TB and cough detector will be able to conduct tests without collecting a specimen.

According to the university, the app will be affordable as it's focused on serving low-income communities.

It adds that TB is the deadliest disease in South Africa and many patients remain undiagnosed because of outdated screening models.

Stellenbosch said that it had achieved a proof-of-concept and a prototype had been developed and successfully tested in a small-scale laboratory environment.