title: Statistical models for estimating prevalence and incidence of parasitic diseases.
abstract: The estimation of prevalence and incidence of parasitic infections is considered. As the detectability of such infections is not 100% and may furthermore depend on their intensity, statistical methods are often required to arrive at meaningful results. It appears to be essential to distinguish between parasites that multiply within the (human) host and those that do not. An overview of some models discussed in the literature is presented. These models can indeed be used in assessing detectability of infection, and they indicate that observations may lead to considerable misinterpretation of 'true' prevalences and incidences.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Social Medicine, Erasmus University Rotterdam.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: de Vlas
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Nagelkerke
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Habbema
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: van Oortmarssen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D015995:Prevalence; D012107:Research Design; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal