Program
| MSA4b | |
|---|---|
| Thomas Yuster | |
| Department of Mathematics, Lafayette College | |
| Title | A Mathematical Model of the Within-Vector Dynamics of the Plasmodium Falciparum Protozoan Parasite |
| Abstract | A Mathematical Model of the Within-Vector Dynamics of the Plasmodium Falciparum Protozoan Parasite Abstract: Based upon experimental data, we developed a mathematical model that simulates the within-vector dynamics of P. falciparum in an Anopheles mosquito. The model takes as input a mosquito blood meal and the final output is the salivary gland sporozoite load, a probable measure of mosquito infectivity. Sensitivity analysis of the model parameters suggests that reduction of gametocyte density in the blood meal most significantly lowers mosquito infectivity, and is thus an attractive target for malaria control. The model was used to investigate the implication of incomplete fertilization on optimal gametocyte sex ratio, which appears to be significantly impacted by this effect. (Coauthors: Miranda I. Teboh-Ewungkem; Nathaniel H. Newman) |
| Location | Woodward 4 |