Much of the extensive research regarding transmission of malaria is underpinned by mathematical modelling. Compartmental models, which focus on interactions and transitions between population strata, have been a mainstay of such modelling for more than a century. However, modellers are increasingly adopting agent-based approaches, which model hosts, vectors and/or their interactions on an individual level. One reason for the increasing popularity of such models is their potential to provide enhanced realism by allowing system-level behaviours to emerge as a consequence of accumulated individual-level interactions, as occurs in real populations. A systematic review of 90 articles published between 1998 and May 2018 was performed, characterizing agent-based models (ABMs) relevant to malaria transmission. The review provides an overview of approaches used to date, determines the advantages of these approaches, and proposes ideas for progressing the field. The rationale for ABM use over other modelling approaches centres around three points: the need to accurately represent increased stochasticity in low-transmission settings; the benefits of high-resolution spatial simulations; and heterogeneities in drug and vaccine efficacies due to individual patient characteristics. The success of these approaches provides avenues for further exploration of agent-based techniques for modelling malaria transmission. Potential extensions include varying elimination strategies across spatial landscapes, extending the size of spatial models, incorporating human movement dynamics, and developing increasingly comprehensive parameter estimation and optimization techniques. Collectively, the literature covers an extensive array of topics, including the full spectrum of transmission and intervention regimes. Bringing these elements together under a common framework may enhance knowledge of, and guide policies towards, malaria elimination. However, because of the diversity of available models, endorsing a standardized approach to ABM implementation may not be possible. Instead it is recommended that model frameworks be contextually appropriate and sufficiently described. One key recommendation is to develop enhanced parameter estimation and optimization techniques. Extensions of current techniques will provide the robust results required to enhance current elimination efforts.

Neal R. Smith

James M. Trauer

Manoj Gambhir

Jack S. Richards

Richard J. Maude

Jonathan M. Keith

Jennifer A. Flegg

Malaria Journal

《疟疾杂志》面向对广义上的疟疾感兴趣的科学界。它是唯一发表专门关于疟疾的文章的期刊，因此，它旨在汇集来自这一非常广泛学科的不同专业的知识，从长凳到床边再到现场。

Malaria Journal is a scientific journal dedicated to malaria research, aimed at providing a platform for researchers interested in malaria. As the only journal that exclusively publishes articles on malaria, it brings together diverse expertise from this broad field, covering aspects from bench research to bedside applications and field practices.

《Malaria Journal》是一本专注于疟疾研究的科学期刊，旨在为对疟疾感兴趣的研究者提供一个交流平台。作为唯一专门发表关于疟疾的文章的期刊，它汇集了来自这一广泛领域的不同专业知识，涵盖从基础研究到临床应用，再到现场实践的各个方面。

Agent-based models of malaria transmission: a systematic review

A systematic review of 90 articles published between 1998 and May 2018 was performed, characterizing agent-based models relevant to malaria transmission, and one key recommendation is to develop enhanced parameter estimation and optimization techniques.

Category	Quartile
医学	3
医学, 热带医学	2
医学, 传染病学	3
医学, 寄生虫学	3

Agent-based models of malaria transmission: a systematic review

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Journal Info

Category	Quartile
TROPICAL MEDICINE	2