Table 1 Parameter values used in the numerical evaluations of model predictions for S mansoni. The age intensity profile from the cited sources based on faecal egg counts were used to derive estimate of R₀ and β_i using maximum likelihood methods. The age groupings for the contact parameter β_i are defined as the intervals between 0, 5, 10, 16 and 80 years

Basic Reproductive number, R₀

2.00

Fitted

Adult worm life expectancy

4 years

[10]

Negative binomial clumping parameter, k

0.24

[34]

Density dependence fecundityparameter, ɣ

0.0006/female worm

[34]

Beta, β_i for intensity of age group i’s contact with infectious material

0.22,1.88,1,0.53

Fitted

Drug efficacy as a proportion of worms killed by praziquantel

0.86

[44]

Egg output per female worm

0.14

[45]

Source of age - mean intensity data

-

Ietune village, Machakos District, Kenya [26]