Mathematical modelling of transmission and control, clinical trial simulation and epidemiological data analysis: The DeWorm3 Project

The soil transmitted helminths (STH) are major intestinal parasites of humans, comprising three main groups; the species Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichuria and the hookworm species. Recent focus has turned from control of STH towards elimination of transmission.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) frequently co-occurs with STH and many regions have implemented programmes to control it. LF programs employ community-wide MDA with albendazole to eliminate LF as a public health problem, simultaneously having an impact on the STH species. 

The DeWorm3 programme aims to leverage the benefit of LF treatment to break transmission of STH by continuing community-wide MDA treatment after the cessation of LF programmes. Mathematical modelling allows us to examine the role played by treatment frequency, coverage levels and programme durations in achieving elimination and aid in the design of studies to test these hypotheses.