Revisiting the impact of Schistosoma mansoni regulating mechanisms on transmission dynamics using SchiSTOP, a novel modelling framework.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The transmission cycle of Schistosoma is remarkably complex, including sexual reproduction in human hosts and asexual reproduction in the intermediate host (freshwater snails). Patterns of rapid recrudescence after treatment and stable low transmission are often observed, hampering the achievement of control targets. Current mathematical models commonly assume regulation of transmission to occur at worm level through density-dependent egg production. However, conclusive evidence on this regulating mechanism is weak, especially for S. mansoni. In this study, we explore the interplay of different regulating mechanisms and their ability to explain observed patterns in S. mansoni epidemiology.

Methodology/principal findings

We developed SchiSTOP: a hybrid stochastic a

SUBMITTER: Malizia V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11414988 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature