A simple cellular automaton model for influenza A viral infections.
Viral kinetics have been extensively studied in the past through the use of spatially homogeneous ordinary differential equations describing the time evolution of the diseased state. However, spatial characteristics such as localized populations of dead cells might adversely affect the spread of infection, similar to the manner in which a counter-fire can stop a forest fire from spreading. In order to investigate the influence of spatial heterogeneities on viral spread, a simple 2-D cellular automaton (CA) model of a viral infection has been developed. In this initial phase of the investigation, the CA model is validated against clinical immunological data for uncomplicated influenza A infections. Our results will be shown and discussed.
Beauchemin
Catherine
C
Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta., Canada T6G 2J1. cbeau@phys.ualberta.ca
Samuel
John
J
Tuszynski
Jack
J
D016923:Cell Death / Q000276:immunology; D002455:Cell Division / Q000276:immunology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D018448:Models, Immunological