The ABC of terms used in mathematical models of infectious diseases

Abstract

Mathematical models that incorporate a dynamic risk of infection figure prominently in the study of infectious diseases epidemiology as a tool to inform public health policy. In recent years, their use has expanded to address methodological questions, inform and validate study design and evaluate interventions. This glossary briefly highlights the applications of transmission dynamics modelling, explains different modelling methodologies and defines commonly encountered terms to provide an introductory and conceptual understanding of the vocabulary and frameworks used in the literature.