An application of multiscale modeling in food-borne disease dynamics: a case study of Taenia solium cysticercosis

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Introduction Food-borne diseases remain a major public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where inadequate sanitation, poor livestock management, and limited healthcare access facilitate disease persistence. Among these diseases, Taenia solium cysticercosis is a neglected tropical disease associated with substantial morbidity, economic losses, and social disruption. This study develops a multiscale mathematical framework to investigate the transmission dynamics of T . solium across human and pig populations. Methods A coupled multiscale model was formulated by integrating within-host parasite dynamics in humans and pigs with between-host population-level transmission processes. The model captures the complete lifecycle of T . solium and was analyzed using mathematical and epidemiological techniques. The basic reproduction number, R 0 was derived, sensitivity analyses were performed to identify influential parameters, and numerical simulations were conducted using non-standard finite difference schemes. Results The analysis showed that R 0 depends on parameters from both within-host and between-host scales, demonstrating a strong reciprocal relationship between parasite development and population-level transmission. Sensitivity analysis identified key within-host developmental rates and between-host transmission parameters as the most influential drivers of disease persistence. Numerical simulations further revealed that alterations in within-host processes significantly affect population-level infection dynamics, while changes in transmission parameters directly influence within-host parasite burden. Discussion The findings highlight the importance of integrated control strategies that simultaneously target infected individuals, livestock management practices, and environmental contamination. By explicitly linking within-host and between-host processes, the proposed multiscale model provides an evidence-based framework for understanding T . solium transmission and supports the design of effective taeniasis and cysticercosis control programmes in endemic regions. The model offers valuable insights for policymakers and public health practitioners seeking sustainable disease management strategies.

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