Measuring Coughs Using Vocalization Analysis Software

Full Title Measuring Coughs Using Vocalization Analysis Software.  Short Title  Project Leader Nahya Salim Masoud   Description Although cough is a prominent symptom of Severe Cough-Transmissible Respiratory Illness (SCTRI), e.g., Pneumonia, Influenza, Tuberculosis (TB), and Pertussis; the acoustic characteristics of cough have not been quantified previously as the basis for a disease-screening tool. We propose to use existing acoustic vocalization analysis software to characterize the acoustic parameters (AP) of cough. In the long term we will build a screening tool that distinguishes individuals with cough signatures due to SCTRI from those with cough signatures related to less serious conditions. We will conduct this study in the healthcare setting, because hospitals are a high-leverage point to intervene in the spread of SCTRI. Cough is a mode of transmission of respiratory pathogens, as well as being a symptom of respiratory illness. Close contact among healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients can lead to rapid spread within and between the two groups, widespread illness, severe staffing shortages, and even deaths. Organisms are constantly being introduced from the community (by HCWs, visitors, and new patients) with potential transmission to those individuals who are most severely ill and, thus, most vulnerable to SCTRIs. Social isolation strategies used in epidemics are not well suited for use in patient care. An important ongoing problem is that SCTRI is often not identified in patients or HCWs with cough early enough to prevent transmission to staff and other patients. The clinical interpretation of cough has always depended on individual judgment and the skill of the observer. Clinicians are taught to discern cough characteristics to distinguish infectious etiology and severity. Yet, it has been shown that such perception-based judgment has variable intra- and inter-rater reliability. We will standardize cough measurement across a population. In addition, we anticipate that we will demonstrate that measured acoustic parameters (APs) can be used to screen coughs for SCTRI well and quickly, so that individuals with a high likelihood of transmissible respiratory illness can be identified immediately. Thus, cough analysis could constitute a new, non-invasive screening paradigm for control of epidemic respiratory illness. Current detection strategies are fraught with methodologic problems that limit their value for effective and timely intervention to reduce transmission.  Collaborators Suzanne M. Smith                 STAR Analytical Services                Source of funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation  Start Date March 2011                       End Date     March 2012

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