Simulating the Evolutionary Response of a Viral Pandemic to Behaviour Change

Hinsch, M., Silverman, E. and Robertson, D. L. (2023) Simulating the Evolutionary Response of a Viral Pandemic to Behaviour Change. In: ALIFE 2023: Ghost in the machine, Sapporo, Japan, 24-28 Jul 2023, isal_a_00691. (doi: 10.1162/isal_a_00691)

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Abstract

The progression of the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been characterised by the emergence of novel ‘variants of concern’ (VOCs), which have altered transmission rates and immune escape capabilities. While numerous studies have used agent-based simulation to model the transmission and spread of the virus within populations, few have examined the impact of altered human behaviour in response to the evolution of the virus. Here we demonstrate a prototype simulation in which a simulated virus continually evolves as the agent population alters its behaviour in response to the perceived threat posed by the virus. Both mutations influencing intra-host and inter-host evolution are simulated. The model shows that evolution can dramatically reduce the effect of individual behaviour and policies on the spread of a pandemic. In particular only a small proportion of non-compliance with policies is sufficient to render countermeasures ineffective and lead to the spread of highly infectious variants.

Item Type:Conference Proceedings
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Hinsch, Dr Martin and Silverman, Dr Eric and Robertson, Professor David
Authors: Hinsch, M., Silverman, E., and Robertson, D. L.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2023 Massachusetts Institute of Technology
First Published:First published in ALIFE 2023: Ghost in the Machine: Proceedings of the 2023 Artificial Life Conference: isal_a_00691
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License
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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
3048230011Complexity in healthSharon SimpsonMedical Research Council (MRC)MC_UU_00022/1HW - MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit
3048230061Complexity in healthSharon SimpsonOffice of the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSO)SPHSU16HW - MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit
172630014Cross-Cutting Programme – Viral Genomics and Bioinformatics (Programme 9)David RobertsonMedical Research Council (MRC)MC_UU_12014/12III - Centre for Virus Research