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2012 - 11th Annual NC State Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium
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Session Time :
8/1/12 3:00 PM - 8/1/12 4:14 PM
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Content Area : Research Experience for Undergraduate Mathematics: Modeling and Industrial Applied Mathematics
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Lead Student Presenters : Shane Davis Wilson
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Co-Presenters :
Robert O'Brien
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Co-Presenters :
Brett Yarchin
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Abstract Title : Optimizing Wolbachia Release Strategies for Controlling Dengue Fever
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Abstract :
Dengue fever is the most prevalent mosquito-borne viral disease that affects humans. Since there are
no licensed vaccines or effective drug treatments currently available, disease control efforts have largely
focused on controlling the vector of the disease, the mosquito Aedes aegypti. While traditional vector
control methods, such as insecticide spraying and source reduction, can have a major impact on reducing
transmission of the infection, they often require an intensive control effort and are difficult to maintain on
a long-term basis. One new control measure that has been proposed involves the introduction of a strain
of the bacterium Wolbachia into a native mosquito population. Infection with Wolbachia has been shown
to reduce transmission of dengue virus, and it is thought that replacing a native mosquito population
with one which is entirely infected with Wolbachia will lead to decreased incidence of dengue. Carefully
planned releases of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes are needed to effectively lower disease incidence
while making efficient use of available resources. To this end, we applied principles of optimal control
theory to design and assess potential release strategies.
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Mentor and/or Co-Author : Alun Lewis Lloyd
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