Numerical integration of the master equation in some models of stochastic epidemiology.

ABSTRACT: The processes by which disease spreads in a population of individuals are inherently stochastic. The master equation has proven to be a useful tool for modeling such processes. Unfortunately, solving the master equation analytically is possible only in limited cases (e.g., when the model is linear), and thus numerical procedures or approximation methods must be employed. Available approximation methods, such as the system size expansion method of van Kampen, may fail to provide reliable solutions, whereas current numerical approaches can induce appreciable computational cost. In this paper, we propose a new numerical technique for solving the master equation. Our method is based on a more informative stochastic process than the population process commonly used in the literature. By exploit

SUBMITTER: Jenkinson G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3342242 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature