Event Title

Modeling the Spread of HPV Through a Network

Presentation Type

Presentation

Location

Schimmel/Conrades Science Center 163

Start Date

18-4-2018 4:20 PM

End Date

18-4-2018 4:40 PM

Disciplines

Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Keywords

Mathematical Modeling; Human Papillomavirus

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection in both males and females, which usually shows no symptoms and can be transmitted through genital or oral sex. Among over one hundred strains of HPV, we focus on two high-risk strains that are responsible for a majority of cervical cancer cases leading to about 4,000 deaths in the United States per year. Using a dynamic agent-based network, the spread of HPV can be mathematically modeled and examined.

Our agent-based network consists of agents representing individuals with characteristics, such as age, biological sex, and sexual orientation, and links representing sexual connections formed based on the characteristics of the agents. Using a set of probabilistic rules, we can simulate the connections between individuals in the network. Once connections are established, HPV can spread based on the health status of the individuals. Since the network changes dynamically with respect to time, connections form and break, and older agents will age out of the network while new ones join. We can examine the propagation of HPV through the network, which can be used to investigate the properties of an endemic disease, like HPV, and effective vaccination campaigns against it.

Project Origin

Summer Research Opportunity

Faculty Mentor

Pamela Pyzza

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Apr 18th, 4:20 PM Apr 18th, 4:40 PM

Modeling the Spread of HPV Through a Network

Schimmel/Conrades Science Center 163

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection in both males and females, which usually shows no symptoms and can be transmitted through genital or oral sex. Among over one hundred strains of HPV, we focus on two high-risk strains that are responsible for a majority of cervical cancer cases leading to about 4,000 deaths in the United States per year. Using a dynamic agent-based network, the spread of HPV can be mathematically modeled and examined.

Our agent-based network consists of agents representing individuals with characteristics, such as age, biological sex, and sexual orientation, and links representing sexual connections formed based on the characteristics of the agents. Using a set of probabilistic rules, we can simulate the connections between individuals in the network. Once connections are established, HPV can spread based on the health status of the individuals. Since the network changes dynamically with respect to time, connections form and break, and older agents will age out of the network while new ones join. We can examine the propagation of HPV through the network, which can be used to investigate the properties of an endemic disease, like HPV, and effective vaccination campaigns against it.