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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
Published on: October 7, 2011
A model of the transmission and control of genital herpes
1Biometrics Unit of Cornell University, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-4401, USA.
Background:
Mathematical modeling of herpes simplex virus type 2 transmission can provide insight into the behavior of the epidemic and the effects of control measures.
Goal:
To examine parameter sensitivity and assess control strategies.
Study Design:
The model simulates transmission in a young, sexually active, nonmonogamous population. The population is divided into compartments representing disease status (susceptible, exposed, primary infectious, asymptomatic, recurrent, vaccinated), and flows between compartments are described by differential equations.
Results:
With a base set of parameter values, the basic reproduction rate (R0) is 1.79, indicating that ultimate prevalence in this population will be 44%. The course of the epidemic is most sensitive to changes in behavioral parameters (time nonmonogamous and partner-change rate) and to the probability of transmission during the asymptomatic stage.
Conclusion:
In the absence of behavior change, efforts to control the epidemic must focus on vaccine development and prevention of transmission during both symptomatic and asymptomatic phases.
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Sexually Transmitted Infections
Transmission of Pathogens
Herpes
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Genital Herpes

