Modelling control and elimination of soil-transmitted helminths

This project within the NTD Epidemiology Research Group at Imperial College focuses on mathematical modelling of transmission in the group of parasites known as soil-transmitted helminths. This includes the hookworm species (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus), roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides and whipworm (Trichuris trichiura).

The project’s ongoing work is on modelling the impact of treatment interventions via mass drug administration (provision of anti-parasitic drugs to entire communities), using a number of tools including both deterministic and stochastic simulation of transmission dynamics over time.

The project’s primary aims are on predicting the likely impact of a given treatment strategy in a variety of prevalence settings, particularly whether it might be possible to eliminate disease from some areas if conditions are favourable, and the impact of non-adherence to treatment among members of a community.