A computer simulation model of Wolbachia invasion for disease vector population modification

Abstract

BackgroundWolbachia invasion has been proved to be a promising alternative for controlling vector-borne diseases, particularly Dengue fever. Creating computer models that can provide insight into how vector population modification can be achieved under different conditions would be most valuable for assessing the efficacy of control strategies for this disease.MethodsIn this paper, we present a computer model that simulates the behavior of native mosquito populations after the introduction of mosquitoes infected with the Wolbachia bacteria. We studied how different factors such as fecundity, fitness cost of infection, migration rates, number of populations, population size, and number of introduced infected mosquitoes affect the spread of the Wolbachia bacteria among native mosquito populations.ResultsTwo main scenarios of the island model are presented in this paper, with infected mosquitoes introduced into the largest source population and peripheral populations. Overall, the results are promising; Wolbachia infection spreads among native populations and the computer model is capable of reproducing the results obtained by mathematical models and field experiments.ConclusionsComputer models can be very useful for gaining insight into how Wolbachia invasion works and are a promising alternative for complementing experimental and mathematical approaches for vector-borne disease control.

Exploring scenarios of chikungunya mitigation with a data-driven agent-based model of the 2014–2016 outbreak in Colombia

“…Given that our model does not mechanistically represent individual mosquito behavior, but characteristics of a generic vector-control strategy, it can be readily instantiated with parameters for Aedes species that are most relevant to the simulated epidemic. Other simulation models have explicitly represented individual mosquitoes to study the impact of more specific vector control activities, such as source reduction, larvicide or infection with Wolbachia 27 , 28 .…”

Mathematical Model as a Tool for the Control of Vector-Borne Diseases: Wolbachia Example

“…Many (spatial and non-spatial) mathematical models have been formulated to analyse the persistence and spread or dispersal of Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes in the populations [9,[16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29]. The general aim is to understand the underlying factors required for the persistence and spread of Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes.…”