Ascaris lumbricoides: New Epidemiological Insights and Mathematical Approaches

摘要: Abstract In the context of current unprecedented momentum and commitment to control neglected tropical diseases, increased advocacy anthelmintic mass drug administration (MDA), there are renewed calls for research development into epidemiology population biology helmintic parasites be embedded at core intervention strategies. This review Ascaris lumbricoides – one three soil-transmitted helminth infections greatest public health importance includes discussion on diagnostic methods their limitations; patterns transmission within communities, including heterogeneities in infection reinfection following curative treatment; geographical distribution infection, role environmental, climatic socio-economic co-variables. Special emphasis is placed mathematical approaches that underpin contemporary parasite epidemiology. particular, statistical models analyzing highly variable, overdispersed, zero-inflated hierarchically or spatially structured data dynamic transmission. Deterministic, stochastic hybrid discussed application elucidating interplay between frequency density-dependent processes; dynamics sustainability populations low densities; theoretical threshold densities (transmission breakpoints) elimination; potential spread resistance. The highlights relevance analytical methods, concludes by focusing recent insights A. which particularly germane effective implementation MDA-based control.