Population Dynamics of Infections

Quantifying transmission of infections is crucial to the success of control strategies

We use:

  • Mathematical modeling to describe the population dynamics of infection, formulate testable hypotheses and extrapolate research findings
  • Experiments to identify causal infection determinants
  • Field studies to quantify transmission and associated risk factors

The combination of these methods iteratively leads to insight into the population dynamics of infections in and between animal populations.

Quantitative Molecular Epidemiology 
We use epidemiological models to combine molecular data of microorganisms and contact information of hosts to unravel and quantify transmission routes. Current examples are avian influenza virus, ESBL-producing bacteria, (Methicillin resistant) Staphylococcus aureus and (components) of the microbiome.

Infectious Disease Agents in Ecosystems We integrate ecology and epidemiology to study infectious disease dynamics of pathogens and parasites in ecosystems. The aim is to increase understanding of the role of infectious agents in natural systems, and ultimately to contribute insight into factors that influence jumps of infectious agents between species, in particular emergence in humans from wildlife.

Experimental Epidemiology
We study the transmission of infectious agents under controlled conditions aiming to link infection dynamics in individuals to infection dynamics in populations and test the effect of intervention measures. We study, for instance, ESBL producing bacteria, coccidia and the microbiome.