Spatial scales in human movement between reservoirs of infection

Abstract

Highlights Simple, yet flexible, model of human movement patterns. Analytic formalism which can be used to derive important spatial scales. Introduces a novel drift–diffusion approximation for stochastic reservoirs. A new critical spatial scale predicted for helminth reservoirs of infection. The necessary data needed to test these predictions is outlined in detail.

On Spatiotemporal Overdispersion and Macroparasite Accumulation in Hosts Leading to Aggregation: A Quantitative Framework

“…This aggregated pattern may lead to differential risk, such as superspreading events. These pathways are affected not just by the biological characteristics of hosts and parasites, but also by environment (including abiotic factors and geographic locality) affecting the host–parasite system [ 4 , 30 ]. These pathways when investigated individually and as part of the whole ecosystem can provide insights about the causes and impacts of the disease dynamics and when tracked can aid in identifying strategies for infectious disease prevention or control.…”

“…This complex life cycle can be a form of differential feedback loops in a complex system. It is hypothesized that the distribution of parasite aggregation (e.g., as shown in Figure 2 ) can have a longer tail over time (e.g., more aggregation as the host ages) or as the food chain becomes more convoluted similar to the concept of bioamplification or biomagnification [ 4 , 30 ].…”