Comprehensive Glossary for Infectious Disease Modelling

Introduction

In the current literature, there is considerable heterogeneity in common terms related to infectious disease epidemiology and modelling. Furthermore, definitions of these terms are not often provided in research papers. This glossary presents a comprehensive list of terms and their definitions to unify the use and interpretation of infectious disease epidemiology and modelling terminology. Although the most frequently used definitions were included in this glossary, researchers may have alternative definitions for certain terms in the context of their research. Therefore, it is recommended that the readers first check for definitions provided by the authors when reading infectious disease mathematical modelling publications.

Filters

Agent‐based model

Types of mathematical models

Individuals in the model are described as discrete entities with their own characteristics. Also see individual-based model/micro-simulation model.

Analytical solution

General modelling terms

Solving equations to reach a solution pertaining to the relationships between model parameters and outcomes.

Antiviral treatment

Prevention and Treatment

Treatment used against viral infection to reduce symptoms, duration, and transmission of the disease.

Asymptomatic infection

Infectious disease biology and epidemiology

A stage of disease where an infected individual does not have clinical symptoms but may transmit the pathogen (asymptomatic infectious). An asymptomatically infected individual may or may not develop clinical symptoms in the future (pre-symptomatic infection).

Attack rate

Infectious disease biology and epidemiology

Proportion of a population infected over a certain period of time.

Between-host model

Types of mathematical models

Used to describe host-pathogen interactions (compare Within-host model).

Calibration (model fitting)

General modelling terms

Fitting of model parameters to data. This is one step in model development to ensure that the model output is representative of the data used.

Case detection

Infectious disease biology and epidemiology

Surveillance strategy that can identify infectious individuals. The goal of Case detection is to reduce community transmission through isolation and/or treatment of infectious individuals within their households.

Close contact

Infectious disease biology and epidemiology

Proximity to an infectious individual or pathogen within a certain distance and for a set duration. The mode of infection (e.g., sexual, airborne), distance, and time required for a Close contact or for successful transmission to occur depends on pathogen. A Close contact may result in an individual becoming infected, but not always.

Communicable disease

Infectious disease biology and epidemiology

An illness that can be contracted through contact with an infected human, animal, or contaminated items carrying the pathogen. An infected person can transmit the Communicable disease to others.