Schistosomiasis japonica: Modelling as a tool to explore transmission patterns

• Published in: Acta tropica Vol. 141; no. Pt B; pp. 213 - 222
• Main Authors: Xu, Jun-Fang, Lv, Shan, Wang, Qing-Yun, Qian, Men-Bao, Liu, Qin, Bergquist, Robert, Zhou, Xiao-Nong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.01.2015
• Subjects: Animals; China - epidemiology; Epidemiological Monitoring; Epidemiology; Humans; Modelling; Models, Theoretical; Schistosoma japonicum; Schistosomiasis japonica; Schistosomiasis japonica - epidemiology; Schistosomiasis japonica - transmission; Surveillance People's Republic of China; Surveys and Questionnaires; Transmission; China; Modelling; Schistosomiasis japonica; Surveillance People's Republic of China; Epidemiology; Transmission
• ISSN: 0001-706X; 1873-6254
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.06.014

The application of modelling tool in the epidemiological study of schistosomiasis japonica during last 20 years was reviewed systematically, followed by exploring the possibility of improvement in application of models in the surveillance and response system leading to elimination of schistosomiasis. •Epidemiological features of schistosomiasis japonica.•Application of modelling in schistosomiasis japonica.•Gaps in modelling research to apply in schistosomiasis japonica.•Research priorities in modelling application. Modelling is an important tool for the exploration of Schistosoma japonicum transmission patterns. It provides a general theoretical framework for decision-makers and lends itself specifically to assessing the progress of the national control programme by following the outcome of surveys. The challenge of keeping up with the many changes of social, ecological and environmental factors involved in control activities is greatly facilitated by modelling that can also indicate which activities are critical and which are less important. This review examines the application of modelling tools in the epidemiological study of schistosomiasis japonica during the last 20 years and explores the application of enhanced models for surveillance and response. Updated and timely information for decision-makers in the national elimination programme is provided but, in spite of the new modelling techniques introduced, many questions remain. Issues on application of modelling are discussed with the view to improve the current situation with respect to schistosomiasis japonica.