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The population dynamics of two vertically transmitted infections
1Department of Mathematics, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, California 92711.
Abstract:
The transmission of Keystone virus in the mosquito Aedes atlanticus and of Rickettsia rickettsii in the tick Dermacentor andersoni is modeled and analyzed. Both of these infections can be transmitted vertically from an infective parent to newborn offspring as well as horizontally via direct or indirect contacts with infected individuals. The vertical transmission mechanism plays a major role in the maintenance of these infections and its effects are analyzed in detail. This same mechanism can act as a means for controlling the size of the infected host population and an analysis of this effect is also provided. The sensitivity of the threshold parameters and the endemic prevalence rates of the disease to variations in the basic infection transmission components are investigated. The transmission components that are considered include the ability to transmit the pathogen vertically as well as horizontally, the size of the host population, and survival probabilities of the hosts.
Insights
This study models Keystone virus and Rickettsia rickettsii transmission, highlighting vertical transmission
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Mathematical Modeling
- Vector-borne Diseases
Background:
- Keystone virus (mosquito Aedes atlanticus) and Rickettsia rickettsii (tick Dermacentor andersoni) are significant vector-borne pathogens.
- Both pathogens exhibit vertical and horizontal transmission routes.
- Vertical transmission is crucial for pathogen maintenance and population dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model and analyze the transmission dynamics of Keystone virus and Rickettsia rickettsii.
- To investigate the role of vertical transmission in pathogen maintenance and host population control.
- To assess the sensitivity of disease parameters to variations in transmission components.
Main Methods:
- Mathematical modeling of disease transmission.
- Analysis of vertical and horizontal transmission parameters.
- Sensitivity analysis of threshold parameters and prevalence rates.
Main Results:
- Vertical transmission significantly influences pathogen maintenance and host population size.
- Horizontal transmission also contributes to disease spread.
- Disease dynamics are sensitive to transmission efficiency, host population size, and survival rates.
Conclusions:
- Vertical transmission is a key factor in the epidemiology of Keystone virus and Rickettsia rickettsii.
- Understanding transmission components is vital for predicting and controlling vector-borne diseases.
- Mathematical models provide insights into pathogen persistence and population-level effects.