%0 Journal Article %A Jones, Rachel M. %A Su, Yu-Min %D 2016 %T Dose-response models for selected respiratory infectious agents: Bordetella pertussis, group a Streptococcus, rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus %U https://indigo.uic.edu/articles/journal_contribution/Dose-response_models_for_selected_respiratory_infectious_agents_Bordetella_pertussis_group_a_Streptococcus_rhinovirus_and_respiratory_syncytial_virus/10755605 %2 https://indigo.uic.edu/ndownloader/files/19267094 %K Dose-response %K Respiratory infections %K Risk assessment %K Common cold %X Dose-response assessment is one step in quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). Four infectious microbes capable of causing respiratory diseases important to public health, and for which dose-response functions have not been available are: (whooping cough), group A (pharyngitis), rhinovirus (common cold) and respiratory syncytial virus (common cold). The objective of this study was to fit dose-response functions for these microbes to published experimental data. Methods: Experimental infectivity data in human subjects and/or animal models were identified from the peer-reviewed literature. The exponential and beta-Poisson dose-response functions were fitted using the method of maximum likelihood, and models compared by Akaike's Information Criterion. Results: Dose-response functions were identified for each appropriate data set for the four infectious microbes. Statistical and graphical measures of fit are presented. Conclusions: With the fitted dose-response functions it will be possible to perform QMRA for these microbes. The dose-response functions, however, have a number of limitations associated with the route of exposure, use of animal hosts, and quality of fit. As a result, thoughtfulness must be used in selecting one dose-response function for a QMRA, and the function should be recognized as a significant source of uncertainty. Nonetheless, QMRA offers a transparent, systematic framework within which to understand the mechanisms of disease transmission, and evaluate interventions. %I University of Illinois at Chicago