A CNN-based active learning framework to identify mycobacteria in digitized Ziehl-Neelsen stained human tissues

•Machine learning can detect acid-fast bacteria in Ziehl-Neelsen stained tissue slides.•Active learning improved feature learning by the convolutional neural network.•Logistic regression classified slides based on acid-fast bacteria heatmap features.•Proposed workflow can improve screening of Ziehl-Neelsen stained tissues.