A new study titled “Agent-Based Modelling of Blood-Borne Viruses: A Scoping Review” was recently published in the journal BMC Infectious Diseases. Authored by Seun Ale (TU Dublin), Dr. Elizabeth Hunter (TU Dublin), and ADAPT Director Prof. John D. Kelleher (Trinity College Dublin), the study provides a comprehensive review of agent-based modelling (ABM) as a tool for understanding the transmission and control of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) like HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV).
BBVs pose significant global health challenges, causing millions of infections annually and contributing to severe complications such as liver disease and immune system failure. This scoping review maps 88 studies to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities in ABM research on BBVs. The review identified significant gaps in modelling the vertical transmission of blood-borne viruses, particularly from mother to child. It also found that while HIV models for men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Global North address a range of outcomes, those in the Global South primarily focus on interventions. Additionally, there is a notable lack of HBV models targeting high-risk groups, such as children under five.
This work, supported by the ADAPT Centre, Research Ireland, TU Dublin, and Trinity College Dublin, offers critical insights for future research in enhancing the effectiveness of ABM in understanding and controlling BBVs. Access the publication here.
