Computational Model Informs Effective Control Interventions against Y. enterocolitica Co-Infection

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Mathematical Biology

Background:

• Gastrointestinal infections are influenced by pathogen, host, and microbiome interactions.
• Yersinia entercolitica (Ye) is a frequent cause of bacterial gastroenteritis.
• Predicting co-infection outcomes with different Yersinia strains presents a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To model the interactions between Yersinia entercolitica (Ye), host immune responses, and the gut microbiota.
• To investigate the population dynamics of co-infecting Yersinia strains with varying immune resistance.
• To determine conditions for infection eradication versus persistence.

Main Methods:

• A mathematical model incorporating commensal bacteria in two host compartments (lumen and mucosa).
• Inclusion of host immune responses and co-existence of wild-type (wt) and mutant (mut) Yersinia strains.
• Calculation of reproduction numbers for each Yersinia strain to assess eradication thresholds.

Main Results:

• Identified four possible equilibria: disease-free, wt-free, mut-free, and co-existence equilibrium.
• Determined that infection clearance occurs when reproduction numbers for both strains are below one.
• Found that commensal bacteria growth rate exceeding pathogen growth rate promotes infection disappearance.

Conclusions:

• Infection dynamics are significantly shaped by the interplay of pathogen virulence, host immunity, and microbial community.
• Mathematical modeling provides a framework for understanding complex infectious disease scenarios.
• Findings can inform the development of medical control strategies for Yersinia infections.