Simulation of HIV Infection Propagation Networks: A Review of the State of the Art in Agent-Based Approaches

Simulating the transmission of HIV requires a model framework that can account for the complex nature of HIV transmission. In this paper the authors present the current state of the art for simulating HIV with agent-based models and highlight some of the significant contributions of current research. The authors then propose opportunities for future work including their plan that involves identifying and monitoring high-risk drug users that can potentially initiate high-risk infection propagation networks. DOI: 10.4018/jats.2013010104 54 International Journal of Agent Technologies and Systems, 5(1), 53-63, January-March 2013 Copyright © 2013, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. this paper we explore simulation approaches to the propagation of infection networks, specifically the state of the art in agent-based models, a type of approach that has consistently proved to be a significant tool to simulate the spread of infection disease. Some of the more cited agent-based approaches found in the literature are presented, along with a discussion of future work in the context of our efforts on monitoring the pandemic within high-risk, drug abusing HIV+ populations.