Overview

In this module, we will take a look at situations and models that account for the fact that hosts often differ in characteristics that are important for ID dynamics.

Learning Outcomes

  • Know the most common host characteristics that lead to heterogeneity
  • Understand how heterogeneity might impact ID dynamics
  • Evaluate the need to account for heterogeneity depending on setting
  • Understand how different types of heterogeneity affect ID control

Reading

Read the chapter “Host Heterogeneity” in IDEMAB.

Videos

The following videos discuss how the differences between individuals (host heterogeneity) impact spread and control of infectious diseases.

Heterogeneities due to age

In this video from the University of Hong Kong Epidemics course, Marc Lipsitch explains how age is a major factor impacting ID spread and infection outcomes.

Heterogeneities in host behavior

In this video from the University of Hong Kong Epidemics course, Marc Lipsitch explains - using sexually transmitted infections as an example - how heterogeneities in contact behavior affects the observed ID dynamics.

Superspreaders

In this video from the Epidemics MOOC, Peter Hudson discusses the concept of superspreaders.