COVID-19 Classification Research Articles

Comparative study of DCNN and image processing based classification of chest X-rays for identification of COVID-19 patients using fine-tuning

The conventional detection of COVID-19 by evaluating the CT scan images is tiresome, often experiences high inter-observer variability and uncertainty issues. This work proposes the automatic detection and classification of COVID-19 by analysing the chest X-ray images (CXR) with the deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) models through a fine-tuning and pre-training approach. CXR images pertaining to four health scenarios, namely, healthy, COVID-19, bacterial pneumonia and viral pneumonia, are considered and subjected to data augmentation. Two types of input datasets are prepared; in which dataset I contains the original image dataset categorised under four classes, whereas the original CXR images are subjected to image pre-processing via Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalisation (CLAHE) algorithm and Blackhat Morphological Operation (BMO) for devising the input dataset II. Both datasets are supplied as input to various DCNN models such as DenseNet, MobileNet, ResNet, VGG16, and Xception for achieving multi-class classification. It is observed that the classification accuracies are improved, and the classification errors are reduced with the image pre-processing. Overall, the VGG16 model resulted in better classification accuracies and reduced classification errors while accomplishing multi-class classification. Thus, the proposed work would assist the clinical diagnosis, and reduce the workload of the front-line healthcare workforce and medical professionals.

Classification of Pneumonia, Tuberculosis and Covid-19 from Chest X-Ray Images Using Convolution Neural Network Model

Accurate and timely diagnosis of respiratory ailments like pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), and COVID-19 is pivotal for effective patient care and public health interventions. Deep learning algorithms have emerged as potent tools in medical image classification, offering promise for automated diagnosis and screening. This study presents a deep learning-based approach for categorizing chest X-ray images into three classes: pneumonia, tuberculosis, and COVID-19. Utilizing convolutional neural networks (CNNs) as the primary architecture, owing to their ability to automatically extract relevant features from raw image data. The proposed model is trained on a sizable dataset of chest X-ray images annotated with ground truth labels for pneumonia, TB, and COVID-19. Extensive experiments are conducted to evaluate the model's performance in terms of classification accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC). Furthermore, we compare the performance of our deep learning model with traditional machine learning approaches and assess its generalization ability on an independent test set. Our findings demonstrate that the proposed deep learning model achieves high accuracy in classifying chest X-ray images of pneumonia, TB, and COVID-19, outperforming traditional methods and showing potential for clinical deployment as a screening tool, especially in resource-limited settings.

Multiclass Classification of Covid-19 CT Scan Images With VGG-16 Architecture Using Transfer Learning System

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. The most common test technique used today for COVID-19 diagnosis is real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). However, compared to RT-PCR, radiological imaging such as X-rays and computer tomography (CT) may be a more precise, useful, and faster technology for COVID-19 classification. X-rays are more accessible because they are widely available in all hospitals in the world and are cheaper than CT scans, but the classification of COVID-19 using CT scan images is more sensitive than X-rays. Therefore, CT scan images can be used for the early detection of COVID-19 patients. One of them is using the deep learning method. In this study, a CNN algorithm with a VGG-16 architecture will be selected to classify COVID-19, intermediate, and non-COVID CT scan images using 2481 image datasets. First, pre-processing is done by resizing the image, converting the image channel into RGB, and dividing the dataset into a training dataset and a testing dataset. Then, the convolution process is continued by utilizing the pre-trained VGG-16 model from ImageNet. The results of testing the data with 97% accuracy were obtained. It is concluded that the model used to classify COVID-19, intermediate, and non-COVID CT scan images is effective and produces good results.

CLASSIFICATION OF X-RAY AND CT IMAGES IN DIFFERENT COLOR SPACES USING ROBUST CNN

Since deep learning models have been successfully used in many fields, they have been used to identify sick and healthy people in X-ray or Computed Tomography (CT) chest radiology images. In this study, Covid-19 and pneumonia classification is performed on both X-ray and CT images using the robust Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). BGR, HSV, and CIE LAB color space transformations are applied to X-ray and CT images to show that the model performs a successful classification independent of dataset characteristics. The binary classification accuracy rates of Covid-19 and pneumonia for X-ray images and CT images are 98.7% and 98.4%, 97.6% and 99.4%, respectively. Precision, Recall, Specificity, F1 score, and Mean Squared Error metrics are calculated for each X-ray and CT dataset. In addition, 5-fold cross-validation proved accuracy of the model. Although X-ray and CT chest radiology images are transformed into different color spaces, the proposed model performed a successful classification. Thus, even if the image characteristics of the radiology device brands change, the computer-based system will be able to make successful disease diagnoses at low cost where expert personnel are insufficient.

Towards hybrid approach based SVM and Radiomics features for COVID-19 classification and segmentation

In the battle against the COVID-19 pneumonia outbreak, which is brought on by the coronavirus strain SARS-Cov-2, radiological chest exams, such as chest X-rays, are crucial. In order to understand the unique radiographic characteristics of COVID-19, this research looks into classification models to distinguish chest X-ray images based on Radiomics features. This study is performed with datasets composed of 136 segmented chest X-rays, which were used to train and test the categorization algorithms. First and second-order statistical texture characteristics were extracted from the right (R), left (L), superior, middle, and bottom lung zones for each lung side using the Pyradiomics collection. Data was divided into training (80%) and test (20%) groups for feature selection. After assessing the respective feature significance and confirmation accuracy, the most pertinent Radiomics features were chosen. A model of lung segmentation based grey level pixels was used to evaluate support vector machines (SVM) as possible classifiers (AUC = 83.7%). Our research reveals a preference for the upper lung zone and a preponderance of Radiomics feature selection in the right lung. Our future research will concentrate on COVID-19 categorization and segmentation for more precise forecast using a hybrid method based on SVM and Radiogenomics features.

Speed-enhanced convolutional neural networks for COVID-19 classification using X-rays

Speed-enhanced convolutional neural networks for COVID-19 classification using X-rays

COVID-19 severity detection using chest X-ray segmentation and deep learning

COVID-19 has resulted in a significant global impact on health, the economy, education, and daily life. The disease can range from mild to severe, with individuals over 65 or those with underlying medical conditions being more susceptible to severe illness. Early testing and isolation are vital due to the virus’s variable incubation period. Chest radiographs (CXR) have gained importance as a diagnostic tool due to their efficiency and reduced radiation exposure compared to CT scans. However, the sensitivity of CXR in detecting COVID-19 may be lower. This paper introduces a deep learning framework for accurate COVID-19 classification and severity prediction using CXR images. U-Net is used for lung segmentation, achieving a precision of 0.9924. Classification is performed using a Convulation-capsule network, with high true positive rates of 86% for COVID-19, 93% for pneumonia, and 85% for normal cases. Severity assessment employs ResNet50, VGG-16, and DenseNet201, with DenseNet201 showing superior accuracy. Empirical results, validated with 95% confidence intervals, confirm the framework’s reliability and robustness. This integration of advanced deep learning techniques with radiological imaging enhances early detection and severity assessment, improving patient management and resource allocation in clinical settings.

Hybrid optimal feature selection-based iterative deep convolution learning for COVID-19 classification system

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the development of innovative and efficient methods for early detection and diagnosis. Integrating Internet of Things (IoT) devices and applications in healthcare has facilitated various functions. This work aims to employ practical artificial intelligence (AI) approaches to extract meaningful information from the vast amount of IoT data to perform disease prediction tasks. However, traditional AI methods need help in feature analysis due to the complexity and scale of IoT data. So, this work implements the optimal iterative COVID-19 classification network (OICC-Net) using machine learning optimization and deep learning approaches. Initially, the preprocessing operation normalizes the dataset with uniform values. Here, random forest infused particle swarm-based black widow optimization (RFI-PS-BWO) algorithm was used to get the disease-specific patterns from SARS-CoV-2 (SC2), and other disease classes, where patterns of the SC2 virus are very similar to those of other virus classes. In addition, an iterative deep convolution learning (IDCL) feature selection method is used to distinguish features from the RFI-PS-BWO data. This iterative process enhances the performance of feature selection by providing improved representation and reducing the dimensionality of the input data. Then, a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) was employed to classify and identify the extracted features from SC2 with no virus classes. The 1D-CNN model is trained using a large dataset of COVID-19 samples, enabling it to learn intricate patterns and make accurate predictions. It was tested and found that the proposed OICC-Net system is more accurate than current methods, with a score of 99.97 % for F1-score, 100 % for sensitivity, 100 % for specificity, 99.98 % for precision, and 99.99 % for recall.

Comparing PCA-Based Machine Learning Algorithms for COVID-19 Classification Using Chest X-ray Images

أدى الانتشار السريع لجائحة كوفيد-19 إلى إجهاد أنظمة الرعاية الصحية العالمية، مما استلزم أساليب تشخيص فعالة. في حين أن تفاعل البوليميراز المتسلسل (PCR) واختبارات المستضدات شائعة، إلا أن لها حدودًا في السرعة والدقة. يعد تعزيز دقة تقنيات التصوير، وخاصة )الأشعة السينية للصدر( و)التصوير المقطعي المحوسب(، أمرًا بالغ الأهمية للكشف عن تشوهات الرئة المرتبطة بكوفيد-19. يُفضل استخدام الأشعة السينية للصدر، لكونه فعال من حيث التكلفة ويمكن الوصول إليه، على الأشعة المقطعية، لكن التشخيص الدقيق غالبًا ما يتطلب دعمًا تكنولوجيًا. ولمعالجة هذه المشكلة، تتوفر مجموعة بيانات شاملة لصور الأشعة السينية للصدر مصنفة إلى خمس فئات على Kaggle . تتضمن معالجة مثل هذه البيانات خطوات مثل تحويل (التدرج الرمادي، وضبط كثافة الصورة، وتغيير الحجم، واستخراج الميزات باستخدام تحليل المكونات الرئيسية). تقنيات التعلم الآلي، بما في ذلك (شجرة القرار)، و(الغابات العشوائية)، و(الانحدار التدرجي العشوائي)، و(الانحدار اللوجستي)، و( نظرية البايزي الساذج)، و (خوارزمية الجيران الاقرب)، هي تقنيات المستخدمة لتصنيف الصور. يُظهر (شجرة القرار) أعلى دقة بنسبة 88⸓، متفوقًا على النماذج الأخرى مثل ( نظرية البايزي الساذج 77⸓ )، و (خوارزمية الجيران الاقرب 71⸓ (، (الانحدار التدرجي العشوائي 70⸓ )، (الانحدار اللوجستي 74⸓)، الغابات العشوائية 45⸓ شجرة القرار إنه يتفوق باستمرار عبر مقاييس التقييم مثل درجة الضبط، والحساسية، الدقة، والاستدعاء، بمتوسط مرجح بنسبة 88⸓ . ومع ذلك، يعتمد اختيار النموذج الأمثل لتعلم الآلة على عوامل مثل خصائص مجموعة البيانات وتفاصيل التنفيذ. وبالتالي، يعد النظر بعناية في هذه العوامل أمرًا بالغ الأهمية عند اختيار نموذج تعلم الآلة لتشخيص كوفيد-19 عبر تصنيف صور الأشعة السينية للصدر.

Machine-Learning-Enabled Diagnostics with Improved Visualization of Disease Lesions in Chest X-ray Images.

The class activation map (CAM) represents the neural-network-derived region of interest, which can help clarify the mechanism of the convolutional neural network's determination of any class of interest. In medical imaging, it can help medical practitioners diagnose diseases like COVID-19 or pneumonia by highlighting the suspicious regions in Computational Tomography (CT) or chest X-ray (CXR) film. Many contemporary deep learning techniques only focus on COVID-19 classification tasks using CXRs, while few attempt to make it explainable with a saliency map. To fill this research gap, we first propose a VGG-16-architecture-based deep learning approach in combination with image enhancement, segmentation-based region of interest (ROI) cropping, and data augmentation steps to enhance classification accuracy. Later, a multi-layer Gradient CAM (ML-Grad-CAM) algorithm is integrated to generate a class-specific saliency map for improved visualization in CXR images. We also define and calculate a Severity Assessment Index (SAI) from the saliency map to quantitatively measure infection severity. The trained model achieved an accuracy score of 96.44% for the three-class CXR classification task, i.e., COVID-19, pneumonia, and normal (healthy patients), outperforming many existing techniques in the literature. The saliency maps generated from the proposed ML-GRAD-CAM algorithm are compared with the original Gran-CAM algorithm.

Revealing the Impact of the Combination of Parameters on SVM Performance in COVID-19 Classification

Non-linear SVM functions to modify the kernel in the SVM. Each kernel function in linear and non-linear SVMs has several parameters that are used in the classification process. SVM is a method that has advantages in classification, but there are still obstacles in selecting optimal parameters. This research investigates the effect of parameter variations on SVM classification performance on the COVID-19 dataset, using linear, RBF, Sigmoid and polynomial kernels. The analysis shows that the polynomial kernel is superior with the highest performance compared to other kernels. The highest accuracy of 77.57% was achieved with a combination of C values ??of 0.75 and Gamma of 0.75, and an F1-Score value of 76.67% indicating an optimal balance between precision and recall. The performance stability produced by the polynomial kernel provides advantages in classifying the COVID-19 dataset, with more controlled fluctuations compared to other kernels. The interaction between the C and Gamma parameters shows that a Gamma value of 0.75 consistently provides good results, while adjusting the C parameter shows more controlled performance variations. This confirms that appropriate Gamma parameter settings are key in improving the accuracy and consistency of SVM model predictions in this case.

AMIKOMNET: Novel Structure for a Deep Learning Model to Enhance COVID-19 Classification Task Performance

Since early 2020, coronavirus has spread extensively throughout the globe. It was first detected in Wuhan, a province in China. Many researchers have proposed various models to solve problems related to COVID-19 detection. As traditional medical approaches take a lot of time to detect the virus and require specific laboratory tests, the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning, might play an important role in handling the problem. A great deal of research has seen the adoption of AI succeed in the early detection of COVID-19 using X-ray images. Unfortunately, the majority of deep learning adoption for COVID-19 detection has the shortcomings of high error detection and high computation costs. In this study, we employed a hybrid model using an auto-encoder (AE) and a convolutional neural network (CNN) (named AMIKOMNET) with a small number of layers and parameters. We implemented an ensemble learning mechanism in the AMIKOMNET model using Adaboost with the aim of reducing error detection in COVID-19 classification tasks. The experimental results for the binary class show that our model achieved high effectiveness, with 96.90% accuracy, 95.06% recall, 94.67% F1-score, and 96.03% precision. The experimental result for the multiclass achieved 95.13% accuracy, 94.93% recall, 95.75% F1-score, and 96.19% precision. The adoption of Adaboost in AMIKOMNET for the binary class increased the effectiveness of the model to 98.45% accuracy, 96.16% recall, 95.70% F1-score, and 96.87% precision. The adoption of Adaboost in AMIKOMNET in the multiclass classification task also saw an increase in performance, with an accuracy of 96.65%, a recall of 94.93%, an F1-score of 95.76%, and a precision of 96.19%. The implementation of AE to handle image feature extraction combined with a CNN used to handle dimensional image feature reduction achieved outstanding performance when compared to previous work using a deep learning platform. Exploiting Adaboost also increased the effectiveness of the AMIKOMNET model in detecting COVID-19.

OPT-CO: Optimizing pre-trained transformer models for efficient COVID-19 classification with stochastic configuration networks

Building upon pre-trained ViT models, many advanced methods have achieved significant success in COVID-19 classification. Many scholars pursue better performance by increasing model complexity and parameters. While these methods can enhance performance, they also require extensive computational resources and extended training times. Additionally, the persistent challenge of overfitting, due to limited COVID-19 dataset sizes, remains a hurdle. To address these challenges, we proposed a novel method to optimize pre-trained transformer models for efficient COVID-19 classification with stochastic configuration networks (SCNs), referred to as OPT-CO. We proposed two optimization methods: sequential optimization (SeOp) and parallel optimization (PaOp), by incorporating optimizers in a sequential and parallel manner, respectively. Our method can enhance model performance without necessitating a significant parameter expansion. Additionally, we introduced OPT-CO-SCN to avoid overfitting problems through the adoption of random projection for head augmentation. The experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance of our proposed model based on two publicly available datasets. Based on the evaluation results, our method achieved superior, performance surpassing other state-of-the-art methods.

Chaotic RIME optimization algorithm with adaptive mutualism for feature selection problems

The RIME optimization algorithm is a newly developed physics-based optimization algorithm used for solving optimization problems. The RIME algorithm proved high-performing in various fields and domains, providing a high-performance solution. Nevertheless, like many swarm-based optimization algorithms, RIME suffers from many limitations, including the exploration-exploitation balance not being well balanced. In addition, the likelihood of falling into local optimal solutions is high, and the convergence speed still needs some work. Hence, there is room for enhancement in the search mechanism so that various search agents can discover new solutions. The authors suggest an adaptive chaotic version of the RIME algorithm named ACRIME, which incorporates four main improvements, including an intelligent population initialization using chaotic maps, a novel adaptive modified Symbiotic Organism Search (SOS) mutualism phase, a novel mixed mutation strategy, and the utilization of restart strategy. The main goal of these improvements is to improve the variety of the population, achieve a better balance between exploration and exploitation, and improve RIME's local and global search abilities. The study assesses the effectiveness of ACRIME by using the standard benchmark functions of the CEC2005 and CEC2019 benchmarks. The proposed ACRIME is also applied as a feature selection to fourteen various datasets to test its applicability to real-world problems. Besides, the ACRIME algorithm is applied to the COVID-19 classification real problem to test its applicability and performance further. The suggested algorithm is compared to other sophisticated classical and advanced metaheuristics, and its performance is assessed using statistical tests such as Wilcoxon rank-sum and Friedman rank tests. The study demonstrates that ACRIME exhibits a high level of competitiveness and often outperforms competing algorithms. It discovers the optimal subset of features, enhancing the accuracy of classification and minimizing the number of features employed. This study primarily focuses on enhancing the equilibrium between exploration and exploitation, extending the scope of local search.

Combination of gray level co-occurrence matrix and artificial neural networks for classification of COVID-19 based on chest X-ray images

This research uses the gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) and artificial neural networks to classify COVID-19 images based on chest X-ray images. According to previous studies, there has never been a researcher who has integrated GLCM with artificial neural networks. Epochs 10, 30, 50, 70, 100, and 120 were used in this research. The total number of data points used in this investigation was 600, divided into 300 normal chests and 300 COVID-19 data points. Epoch 10 had 91% accuracy, epoch 30 had 91% accuracy, epoch 50 had 92% accuracy, epoch 70 had 91% accuracy, epoch 100 had 92% accuracy, and epoch 120 had 90% accuracy in categorization. As indicated by the results of the classification tests, combining GLCM and artificial neural networks can produce good results; a combination of these methods can yield a classification for COVID-19.

Towards COVID-19 detection and classification using optimal efficient Densenet model on chest X-ray images

COVID-19 detection is mainly based on molecular testing, especially polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses, to find the occurrence of the virus's genetic material in respiratory samples. Computed tomography (CT) scans and X-rays are the two chest imaging techniques, which may provide more details on lungs, aiding in the diagnosis. Radiological findings in COVID-19 cases typically involve special features such as bilateral involvement, ground-glass opacities, and consolidation of the lungs. Deep learning (DL) methods, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are used for analyzing COVID-19 infection. By training these techniques on large datasets of annotated chest X-rays (CXRs), researches have attained superior outcomes in precisely detecting the possible COVID-19 cases. Leveraging artificial intelligence together with radiological expertise holds great potential for facilitating prompt intervention in the ongoing global efforts and improving the efficiency of early detection. This article focuses on the design of mother optimization algorithm with DL-enabled detection and classification (MOA-DLEDC) technique for COVID-19 diagnosis using CXR images. In the MOA-DLEDC technique, the adaptive median filtering (AMF) approach is used to eliminate the existence of noise. In addition, the complex and intrinsic feature patterns are derived from the Efficient DenseNet model. Besides, the hyperparameter optimization of the Efficient DenseNet model takes place using MOA. For the COVID-19 detection process, the MOA-DLEDC technique applies sparse autoencoder (SAE) model. A detailed set of experiments was conducted on the CXR dataset to highlight the promising results of the MOA-DLEDC technique. The extensive results inferred that the used technique gains superior performance over other models with maximum accuracy of 99.59 %.

DDA-SSNets: Dual decoder attention-based semantic segmentation networks for COVID-19 infection segmentation and classification using chest X-Ray images.

COVID-19 needs to be diagnosed and staged to be treated accurately. However, prior studies' diagnostic and staging abilities for COVID-19 infection needed to be improved. Therefore, new deep learning-based approaches are required to aid radiologists in detecting and quantifying COVID-19-related lung infections. To develop deep learning-based models to classify and quantify COVID-19-related lung infections. Initially, Dual Decoder Attention-based Semantic Segmentation Networks (DDA-SSNets) such as Dual Decoder Attention-UNet (DDA-UNet) and Dual Decoder Attention-SegNet (DDA-SegNet) are proposed to facilitate the dual segmentation tasks such as lung lobes and infection segmentation in chest X-ray (CXR) images. The lung lobe and infection segmentations are mapped to grade the severity of COVID-19 infection in both the lungs of CXRs. Later, a Genetic algorithm-based Deep Convolutional Neural Network classifier with the optimum number of layers, namely GADCNet, is proposed to classify the extracted regions of interest (ROI) from the CXR lung lobes into COVID-19 and non-COVID-19. The DDA-SegNet shows better segmentation with an average BCSSDC of 99.53% and 99.97% for lung lobes and infection segmentations, respectively, compared with DDA-UNet with an average BCSSDC of 99.14% and 99.92%. The proposed DDA-SegNet with GADCNet classifier offered excellent classification results with an average BCCAC of 99.98%, followed by the GADCNet with DDA-UNet with an average BCCAC of 99.92% after extensive testing and analysis. The results show that the proposed DDA-SegNet has superior performance in the segmentation of lung lobes and COVID-19-infected regions in CXRs, along with improved severity grading compared to the DDA-UNet and improved accuracy of the GADCNet classifier in classifying the CXRs into COVID-19, and non-COVID-19.

Evaluation of effectiveness of pre-training method in chest X-ray imaging using vision transformer

ABSTRACT The limited availability of medical images is a major limitation when using deep learning, which requires large amounts of data to improve performance. To address this problem, transfer learning has become the de facto standard, using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) previously trained on natural images, and fine-tuned on medical images. Recently, vision transformers (ViT), which require large annotated medical images, have been studied from various perspectives. In this study, we investigated an effective pre-training method for binary classification of COVID-19 using chest radiography (CXR) images. Our results showed that pre-training on natural images outperformed CXR images using the fine-tuning method. Pre-training on natural images was also able to capture more global features. Furthermore, this trend increased as the number of pre-trained on natural images increased. In summary, these results suggest that the fine-tuning method with a large number of natural images as pre-training had the best discrimination performance.

DECODING COVID-19: HARNESSING CNN MODELS FOR CHEST X-RAY CLASSIFICATION

COVID-19 is a new virus that infects the respiratory tract of the upper respiratory system and organs. Based on the worldwide epidemic, the number of illnesses and deaths was growing every day. Chest X-ray (CXR) pictures are beneficial for monitoring lung diseases, especially COVID-19. Deep learning (DL) is a popular computing concept that has been widely used in medical applications. Efforts to automatically diagnose COVID-19 have been beneficial. This study used convolution neural networks (CNN) models to develop a DL technology for binary classification of COVID-19 using CXR pictures. By reducing the number of layers and tweaking parameters, training time was reduced. The suggested model for training loss of 0.0444 and accuracy of 98.53%. In validation it demonstrates even higher proficiency attaining a loss of 0.0181 and accuracy of 99.17%. These findings highlight the need of using deep learning (DL) for early COVID-19 diagnosis and screening. KEYWORDS— CNN, COVID-19, X-ray, Model, Deep convolutional neural networks.

Novel Automatic Classification of Human Adult Lung Alveolar Type II Cells Infected with SARS-CoV-2 through the Deep Transfer Learning Approach

Transmission electron microscopy imaging provides a unique opportunity to inspect the detailed structure of infected lung cells with SARS-CoV-2. Unlike previous studies, this novel study aims to investigate COVID-19 classification at the lung cellular level in response to SARS-CoV-2. Particularly, differentiating between healthy and infected human alveolar type II (hAT2) cells with SARS-CoV-2. Hence, we explore the feasibility of deep transfer learning (DTL) and introduce a highly accurate approach that works as follows: First, we downloaded and processed 286 images pertaining to healthy and infected hAT2 cells obtained from the electron microscopy public image archive. Second, we provided processed images to two DTL computations to induce ten DTL models. The first DTL computation employs five pre-trained models (including DenseNet201 and ResNet152V2) trained on more than one million images from the ImageNet database to extract features from hAT2 images. Then, it flattens and provides the output feature vectors to a trained, densely connected classifier with the Adam optimizer. The second DTL computation works in a similar manner, with a minor difference in that we freeze the first layers for feature extraction in pre-trained models while unfreezing and jointly training the next layers. The results using five-fold cross-validation demonstrated that TFeDenseNet201 is 12.37× faster and superior, yielding the highest average ACC of 0.993 (F1 of 0.992 and MCC of 0.986) with statistical significance (P<2.2×10−16 from a t-test) compared to an average ACC of 0.937 (F1 of 0.938 and MCC of 0.877) for the counterpart (TFtDenseNet201), showing no significance results (P=0.093 from a t-test).