An agent-based computational model of the spread of tuberculosis

Authored by Chris T Bauch, Aquino L. de Espindola, Brenno C. Troca Cabella, Alexandre Souto Martinez

Date Published: 2011-05

DOI: 10.1088/1742-5468/2011/05/p05003

Sponsors: No sponsors listed

Platforms: No platforms listed

Model Documentation: Other Narrative Mathematical description

Model Code URLs: Model code not found

Abstract

In this work we propose an alternative model of the spread of tuberculosis (TB) and the emergence of drug resistance due to the treatment with antibiotics. We implement the simulations by an agent-based model computational approach where the spatial structure is taken into account. The spread of tuberculosis occurs according to probabilities defined by the interactions among individuals. The model was validated by reproducing results already known from the literature in which different treatment regimes yield the emergence of drug resistance. The different patterns of TB spread can be visualized at any time of the system evolution. The implementation details as well as some results of this alternative approach are discussed.

Tags

epidemic modelling population dynamics (theory)