title: Colourimetric image analysis as a diagnostic tool in female genital schistosomiasis.
abstract: Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is a highly prevalent waterborne disease in some of the poorest areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Reliable and affordable diagnostics are unavailable. We explored colourimetric image analysis to identify the characteristic, yellow lesions caused by FGS. We found that the method may yield a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 73% in colposcopic images. The accuracy was also explored in images of simulated inferior quality, to assess the possibility of implementing such a method in simple, electronic devices. This represents the first step towards developing a safe and affordable aid in clinical diagnosis, allowing for a point-of-care approach.
authors: Centre for Imported and Tropical Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: sigve.holmen@medisin.uio.no.
authors: Sigve Dhondup
authors: SD
authors: Holmen
authors: Centre for Imported and Tropical Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
authors: Eyrun Floerecke
authors: EF
authors: Kjetland
authors: School of Public Health, Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
authors: Myra
authors: M
authors: Taylor
authors: Centre for Imported and Tropical Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
authors: Elisabeth
authors: E
authors: Kleppa
authors: Centre for Imported and Tropical Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
authors: Kristine
authors: K
authors: Lillebø
authors: Centre for Imported and Tropical Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Research Department, Sørlandet Hospital HF, Kristiansand, Norway; Institute of Development Studies, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway.
authors: Svein Gunnar
authors: SG
authors: Gundersen
authors: Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
authors: Mathias
authors: M
authors: Onsrud
authors: Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Institute for Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
authors: Fritz
authors: F
authors: Albregtsen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D040421:Cell Phone; D003124:Colorimetry; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D012372:ROC Curve; D060737:Reproductive Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cervix; Colour; Colposcopy; Diagnosis; Female genital schistosomiasis; Lesion