Forecasting human African trypanosomiasis prevalences from population screening data using continuous time models

Harwin de Vries, Albert P. M. Wagelmans, Epco Hasker, Crispin Lumbala, Pascal Lutumba, Sake J. de Vlas, Joris van de Klundert

    Research output: Contribution to journalA1: Web of Science-articlepeer-review

    Abstract

    To eliminate and eradicate gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), maximizing the effectiveness of active case finding is of key importance. The progression of the epidemic is largely influenced by the planning of these operations. This paper introduces and analyzes five models for predicting HAT prevalence in a given village based on past observed prevalence levels and past screening activities in that village. Based on the quality of prevalence level predictions in 143 villages in Kwamouth (DRC), and based on the theoretical foundation underlying the models, we consider variants of the Logistic Model-a model inspired by the SIS epidemic model-to be most suitable for predicting HAT prevalence levels. Furthermore, we demonstrate the applicability of this model to predict the effects of planning policies for screening operations. Our analysis yields an analytical expression for the screening frequency required to reach eradication (zero prevalence) and a simple approach for determining the frequency required to reach elimination within a given time frame (one case per 10000). Furthermore, the model predictions suggest that annual screening is only expected to lead to eradication if at least half of the cases are detected during the screening rounds. This paper extends knowledge on control strategies for HAT and serves as a basis for further modeling and optimization studies.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number1005103
    JournalPLoS Computational Biology
    Volume12
    Issue number9
    Number of pages23
    ISSN1553-7358
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2016

    Keywords

    • GAMBIAN SLEEPING SICKNESS
    • CONTROL STRATEGIES
    • BRUCEI-GAMBIENSE
    • EPIDEMIOLOGY
    • SURVEILLANCE
    • DISEASES
    • CONGO
    • SUDAN

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Forecasting human African trypanosomiasis prevalences from population screening data using continuous time models'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this