ICMR-Funded Project on AI-Based Malaria Detection and Parasite Stage Identification
Project ID: IIRPSG-2024-01-01769
Title: Development of a Robust Machine Learning Tool to Support Quick Malaria Detection and Parasite Stage Identification for Reducing Malaria Burden
Scheme: Investigator-Initiated Research Proposals for Small Extramural Grants (IIRP-SEG)
Funding Amount: ₹1,51,50,863
Sanction Date: 1st February 2025
Duration: 3 Years
This multi-institutional project is focused on the development of an AI-driven diagnostic tool for the rapid and accurate detection of malaria and its various parasite stages. The core objective is to create a comprehensive image library featuring high-resolution microscopic images of prevalent Plasmodium species—particularly P. falciparum and P. vivax—across different stages of the parasite's life cycle, including ring, schizont, and gametocyte stages. Mixed infections will also be documented to build a clinically diverse dataset.
The project sources samples from three healthcare levels to ensure a representative and scalable model:
- Community-based samples
- Primary healthcare facility-based samples
- Tertiary care facility samples
Alongside dataset development, the project will deliver a sophisticated machine learning tool and mobile application to assist healthcare professionals in:
- Locating malaria parasites in microscopic images
- Identifying the Plasmodium species (among the four main types)
- Classifying the parasite's life cycle stage
This tool aims to support frontline health workers and clinicians in improving early diagnosis, leading to faster treatment and reduced malaria burden in endemic regions.
To facilitate the project’s execution, one Project Scientist (Non-Medical) and three Project Technicians have been recruited at RIMS, Ranchi.
Principal Investigator (PI):
- Dr. Akriti Nigam, Assistant Professor, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra
Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs):
- Dr. Manish Kumar Pandey, Assistant Professor, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra
- Dr. Rashmi Sinha, Associate Professor, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi
- Dr. Mithilesh Kumar, Associate Professor, RIMS, Ranchi
- Dr. Piyoosh Kumar Singh, Scientist B, ICMR – National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR)
- Dr. Praveen Kumar Tripathi, Scientist B, ICMR – NIMR
- Dr. Kailash C. Pandey, Scientist F, ICMR – NIMR