What is the best method to examine the dynamics of cattle colonization by anti microbial resistant microorganisms? The data consists of 188 cattle measured at four equally spaced time points over the course of the year. The same cows were followed and a binary outcome (ARM present/absent) as well as the number of bacteria present (log colony forming units) are available. I was interested to explore either dynamic or longitudinal models to understand the underlying process of colonization in the herd over time. Please provide references explaining any methodologies or other examples.
A possible approach would be SIR dynamic modelling of infection spread in populations,either deterministically or statistically. The attached paper gives a clear outline.
if you just want to descibe the time trend based on your data, a polynomial regression model would be a good start. See any stats package.
It would be helpful if you describe the situation in some more detail.Are the 188 in a single herd or multiple herds - what is the nature of their contact?
If there is a complex structure you may need to be aware of these models as well as the two-level repeated measures of occasion (at level1) nested in cows (at level 2).
There is an example in the following of salmonella in chickens in different flocks (nut no time)
http://www.bris.ac.uk/media-library/sites/cmm/migrated/documents/xcmmrev2.pdf
These models are not for the beginner; consulting with a biostatistician would be helpful.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Microbiology
- Microorganisms