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A game-theoretic model of lymphatic filariasis prevention

Author

Listed:
  • Jan Rychtář
  • Dewey Taylor

Abstract

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a mosquito-borne parasitic neglected tropical disease. In 2000, WHO launched the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) as a public health problem. In 2020, new goals for 2030 were set which includes a reduction to 0 of the total population requiring Mass Drug Administrations (MDA), a primary tool of GPELF. We develop a mathematical model to study what can happen at the end of MDA. We use a game-theoretic approach to assess the voluntary use of insect repellents in the prevention of the spread of LF through vector bites. Our results show that when individuals use what they perceive as optimal levels of protection, the LF incidence rates will become high. This is in striking difference to other vector-borne NTDs such as Chagas or zika. We conclude that the voluntary use of the protection alone will not be enough to keep LF eliminated as a public health problem and a more coordinated effort will be needed at the end of MDA.Author summary: We adapt a compartmental ODE model of lymphatic filariasis (LF) transmission and focus our attention on what happens after Mass Drug Administrations (MDA) is terminated. We add a game-theoretic component to the model and study whether LF transmission can be substantially interrupted by voluntary use of personal protection strategies such as using insect repellents. We identify optimal voluntary protection levels and demonstrate that LF incidence rates will become too high.

Suggested Citation

  • Jan Rychtář & Dewey Taylor, 2022. "A game-theoretic model of lymphatic filariasis prevention," PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(9), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pntd00:0010765
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010765
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jabili Angina & Anish Bachhu & Eesha Talati & Rishi Talati & Jan Rychtář & Dewey Taylor, 2022. "Game-Theoretical Model of the Voluntary Use of Insect Repellents to Prevent Zika Fever," Dynamic Games and Applications, Springer, vol. 12(1), pages 133-146, March.
    2. Matthew R Behrend & María-Gloria Basáñez & Jonathan I D Hamley & Travis C Porco & Wilma A Stolk & Martin Walker & Sake J de Vlas & for the NTD Modelling Consortium, 2020. "Modelling for policy: The five principles of the Neglected Tropical Diseases Modelling Consortium," PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(4), pages 1-17, April.
    3. repec:plo:pone00:0060373 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Kristen Scheckelhoff & Ayesha Ejaz & Igor V. Erovenko & Jan Rychtář & Dewey Taylor, 2021. "Optimal Voluntary Vaccination of Adults and Adolescents Can Help Eradicate Hepatitis B in China," Games, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-13, October.
    5. Geoffard, Pierre-Yves & Philipson, Tomas, 1997. "Disease Eradication: Private versus Public Vaccination," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 87(1), pages 222-230, March.
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