Mathematical models and lymphatic filariasis control: endpoints and optimal interventions.

Predicting lymphatic filariasis transmission and elimination dynamics using a multi-model ensemble framework

Mathematical models of parasite transmission provide powerful tools for assessing the impacts of interventions. Owing to complexity and uncertainty, no single model may capture all features of transmission and elimination dynamics. Multi-model ensemble modelling offers a framework to help overcome biases of single models. We report on the development of a first multi-model ensemble of three lym...

Mathematical Models for Optimizing and Predicting Outcomes of Intervention Measures for the Control of Lymphatic Filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis is a debilitating disease attaching social stigma to afflicted people living in most of the tropical countries in the world. Globally about 120 million people are affected with the disease of which one-third live in India alone. With the recent advancement in diagnostic and control tools, the hope for the control of filariasis is expanding. However, due to the complex natur...

Lymphatic Filariasis Transmission and Control: A Mathematical Modelling Approach

Global Eradication of Lymphatic Filariasis: The Value of Chronic Disease Control in Parasite Elimination Programmes

The ultimate goal of the global programme against lymphatic filariasis is eradication through irrevocable cessation of transmission using 4 to 6 years of annual single dose mass drug administration. The costs of eradication, managerial impediments to executing national control programmes, and scientific uncertainty about transmission endpoints, are challenges to the success of this effort, espe...

Modelling Co-Infection with Malaria and Lymphatic Filariasis

Malaria and lymphatic filariasis (LF) continue to cause a considerable public health burden globally and are co-endemic in many regions of sub-Saharan Africa. These infections are transmitted by the same mosquito species which raises important questions about optimal vector control strategies in co-endemic regions, as well as the effect of the presence of each infection on endemicity of the oth...