A Stochastic Intracellular Model of Anthrax Infection With Spore Germination Heterogeneity.

ABSTRACT: We present a stochastic mathematical model of the intracellular infection dynamics of Bacillus anthracis in macrophages. Following inhalation of B. anthracis spores, these are ingested by alveolar phagocytes. Ingested spores then begin to germinate and divide intracellularly. This can lead to the eventual death of the host cell and the extracellular release of bacterial progeny. Some macrophages successfully eliminate the intracellular bacteria and will recover. Here, a stochastic birth-and-death process with catastrophe is proposed, which includes the mechanism of spore germination and maturation of B. anthracis. The resulting model is used to explore the potential for heterogeneity in the spore germination rate, with the consideration of two extreme cases for the rat

SUBMITTER: Williams B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8420810 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature