Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026

Oral Bacterial Infection and Shedding in Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: May 31, 2018
[Disease transmission dynamics according to complexity theory]
Doracelly Hincapie-Palacio1, Juan F Ospina-Giraldo2
1Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia, doracely@saludpublica.udea.edu.co.
Objective:
Illustrating disease transmission as a complex system according to complexity theory.
Methods:
A SIR mathematical model (S=number susceptible, I=number infectious, and R=number recovered or immune) reflecting disease transmission from the connection between states of susceptibility, infection, disease, recovery and nonlinearity in the interaction between susceptible and infected was simulated. Infection rate temporal fluctuations were described by logistic mapping.
Results:
Transmission occurs with the reduction of susceptible states as people become infected and sick, followed by an increase in individuals' recovery following diagnosis and treatment. Small increases in infection rate value led to fluctuations in the number of susceptible and exposed people and randomness in the relationship between being susceptible and infected, until converging towards a regular pattern.
Conclusion:
The model reflected the connection between states of susceptibility, nonlinearity and chaotic behavior following small increases in infection rate. A historical and trans-disciplinary perspective could help in understanding transmission complexity and coordinating control options.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
Causality in Epidemiology
Population Growth
Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention II
The agent-host-environment model states that disease results...
Modeling with Differential Equations

