Simulation of mechanisms of viral interference in influenza

Biological interference among viral agents might have significant implications for disease prevention and therapy. Field data for influenza yield conflicting evidence concerning the independence of infection rates, or disease severity, for two co-circulating viruses. To examine the effects of several assumed modes of interference for influenza, simulations of a Monte Carlo micropopulation model of influenza epidemics have been performed. Model parameters were selected so that the simulated attack rates for each of two different viral strains matched actual field data. Rates of infection were compared for single agents and for two viruses with only behavioural interference. Other simulations included temporary immunity to the other virus for the duration of the infection, and/or reduced shedding of viral particles for dual infections. Simulated viral competition had little impact on epidemic severity, duration, or size distribution. Under the conditions studied, viral interference in natural populations would be difficult to infer from field observations of attack rates. Other simulations extended a partial immunity and/or reduced viral shedding during an infection with a second virus. These indicated that interference might be suggested by field data, but it could not be demonstrated conclusively. Still other simulations showed that for epidemics with much higher attack rates for both viruses, it would be relatively easy to demonstrate interference. However, in order to observe interference between influenza strains, it would be necessary to monitor on an almost daily basis, using a method of viral detection which would have to be both highly specific and also very sensitive.