An Algorithm for Parameter Estimation in Nosocomial Infections

Abstract

Parameter estimation in nosocomial infections poses specific problems for estimation techniques. The mathematical description of the spread of nosocomial infections incorporates transmission as a dynamic part; the outcome is discrete and the amount of available information is usually small. We transfer an estimation technique developed previously for plant epidemics to nosocomial infections and demonstrate its application to a data set related to methicillin-resistant Staphyloccocus aureus.