An age-structured extension to the vectorial capacity model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vectorial capacity and the basic reproductive number (R(0)) have been instrumental in structuring thinking about vector-borne pathogen transmission and how best to prevent the diseases they cause. One of the more important simplifying assumptions of these models is age-independent vector mortality. A growing body of evidence indicates that insect vectors exhibit age-dependent mortality, which can have strong and varied affects on pathogen transmission dynamics and strategies for disease prevention.

Methodology/principal findings

Based on survival analysis we derived new equations for vectorial capacity and R(0) that are valid for any pattern of age-dependent (or age-independent) vector mortality and explore the behavior of the models across various mortality patte

SUBMITTER: Novoseltsev VN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3378582 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature