City
Epaper

Researchers use machine learning to predict Covid-19 bacterial co-infection in patients

By IANS | Updated: February 2, 2024 18:35 IST

New Delhi, Feb 2 The researchers from the University of Queensland, Australia, have used machine learning (ML) to ...

Open in App

New Delhi, Feb 2 The researchers from the University of Queensland, Australia, have used machine learning (ML) to help predict the risk of secondary bacterial infections in hospitalised Covid-19 patients.

According to the study published in the journal The Lancet Microbe, the machine learning technique can help detect whether antibiotic use is critical for patients with these infections.

"Estimates of the incidents of secondary bacterial infections in Covid-19 patients are broad, but in some studies, 100 per cent of fatal cases have suffered a bacterial co-infection," said Dr Kirsty Short, Associate Professor at the University of Queensland.

"To reduce the risk of bacterial co-infections, it would be theoretically possible to just treat all Covid-19 patients with antibiotics," she added.

However, Short noted that there's a danger that over-treating with antibiotics could potentially lead to antibiotic resistance and the creation of bacterial superbugs.

"We've helped develop a robust predictive model to determine the risk of bacterial infections in Covid-19 patients, facilitating a careful use of antibiotics," she said.

The technique is called the 'least absolute shrinkage and selection operator' -- or LASSO.

LASSO was used to evaluate blood samples from six different nations that had Covid-19 patients.

The researchers found that the expression of seven genes in a Covid-19 patient can predict their risk of developing a secondary respiratory bacterial infection after 24 hours of hospital admission, according to the study.

"This data raises the exciting possibility that gene transcription and analysis at the time of clinical presentation at a hospital, together with machine learning, can change the game for antibiotic prescription," said Dr Meagan Carney, Lecturer at the University of Queensland.

Additionally, she noted that LASSO is simpler than the complex machine learning methods being discussed in the media around artificial intelligence.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalTaiwan detects Chinese military activity near its territory

NationalHeavy rain, thunderstorms bring relief from scorching heat in Delhi-NCR

NationalKarnataka Crime: Suhas Shetty, Hindu Activist, Brutally Hacked to Death in Mangaluru

NationalKhalistani terrorist Pannun posts provocative message for Indian Sikh Army soldiers after Pahalgam attack

International"PM Modi has our full support": US State Dept spokesperson Tammy Bruce

Technology Realted Stories

TechnologyZoho CEO Sridhar Vembu has no ‘confidence in tech’, shelves $700 million chip plan

TechnologyYouTube commits Rs 850 crore to power India’s ‘Creator Nation’: CEO Neal Mohan

TechnologyApple clocks 28 pc growth in iPhone shipments in India: Industry data

TechnologyNHRC asks 11 states to boost measures to prevent heat-related deaths

TechnologyNRAI and ONDC refute speculative reports, reaffirm strong partnership