Biomathematical Modeling ofChlamydiaInfection and Disease

Abstract

There are many areas of Chlamydia research in which biomathematical modeling has the potential to make an important contribution. In this chapter the authors begin by reviewing the mathematical models of Chlamydia that have been published. The authors then outline a system of dynamical equations that can be used as a governing framework for examining many aspects of Chlamydia infection and pathology, including their calibration to experimental data and insights gained. Later some of the more advanced and influential models are discussed in greater detail. The chapter also talks about the likely future of biomathematical modeling of Chlamydia. The field of chlamydial biomathematical modeling has been developing over the past decade and has started to make contributions to the understanding of chlamydial development, infection, and disease. Epidemiological modeling also has relevance to Chlamydia research because of the insights it can provide about vaccine development and immunity. Although the innate response is important, it is the adaptive immune response that is vital to the resolution of chlamydial infection. A major goal in Chlamydia research is to understand what causes the pathology that can arise during a Chlamydia infection in order to determine how it can be reduced or prevented. Relatively simple mathematical frameworks can be developed for exploring mechanisms and possible implications of the data. Foundational models can then be extended both mathematically and in the laboratory.