SCHISTOX.jl

SCHISTOX.jl models stochastic individual-based transmission dynamics of schistosome infections to evaluate impacts of control measures such as mass drug administration and vaccine scenarios.

Key Features:

• Individual-Based Modeling: Simulates stochastic, individual-level interactions to represent heterogeneity in infection risk by age and predisposition.
• Age-Specific Contact Rates: Incorporates age-specific contact rates that modulate exposure and acquisition risk across age groups.
• Gamma Distribution for Predisposition: Models individual predisposition to infection using a gamma distribution with a mean of 1 to capture inter-individual susceptibility variation.
• Community-Level Dynamics: Supports simulations across multiple communities to study between-population transmission differences.
• Human Sex Population Dynamics: Includes human sex population structure to represent sex-specific contributions to transmission patterns.
• Vaccine Implementation Scenarios: Enables simulation of vaccine introduction and its effects on transmission dynamics.
• Parameter Estimation and Uncertainty Analysis: Parameterizes model parameters from published values and supports analysis of parameter uncertainty.
• Implemented in Julia: Implemented in Julia for model execution.

Scientific Applications:

• Mass Drug Administration Evaluation: Simulates and quantifies the effects of mass drug administration programs on schistosome transmission.
• Treatment Adherence and Access Analysis: Investigates individual-level adherence and access to treatment and their effects on control outcomes.
• Vaccine Impact Modeling: Models potential impacts of introducing a vaccine against schistosomiasis on transmission.
• Demographic Impact Assessment: Analyzes how age and sex distributions influence infection patterns and transmission dynamics.

Methodology:

SCHISTOX.jl implements a stochastic individual-based model in Julia, parameterized with published values and validated via calibration to epidemiological data.