Agent-based models for controlling sexually transmitted infections

Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection in the USA and causes significant reproductive morbidity in women. We created an individual-based heterosexual network model to simulate a realistic chlamydia epidemic on sexual contact networks for a synthetic population. The model is calibrated to the ongoing routine screening among sexually active men and women in New Orleans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend routine screening of sexually active women under age 25 but not among men. Despite three decades of screening women, chlamydia prevalence in women remains high. Untested and untreated men can serve as a reservoir of infection in women, and increased screening of both men and women can be an effective strategy to reduce infection in women. We assessed the impact of screening men on the Ct prevalence in women. We used sensitivity analysis to quantify the relative importance of each intervention component. The model suggested the importance of intervention components ranked from high to low, such as venue-based screening, expedited index treated partner treatment, and rescreening. The findings indicated that male screening can substantially reduce the prevalence among women in high-prevalence communities. This is joint research with Zhuolin Qu, Asma Azizi, and Patty Kissinger.

Bio
https:/sse.tulane.edu/math/faculty/hyman