An SIS network model with flow driven infection rates

A flow-regulated infection rate is defined for a Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible (SIS) model revealing the network structural properties that influence the spread of infections. The infection rate is linked to the flow between compartments in the associated positive compartmental system, providing a self-regulatory effect on the spreading dynamics. This translates to infection carriers preferring to visit healthier sites over more infected ones. A flow-independent epidemic threshold is defined that sets the conditions on the graph’s structure and the aggregate infection rate for a disease to either spread or die out. An individual-based mean-field approach returns results comparable to models with constant infection rates. This approach lends itself well to model the spread of infectious diseases as well as threats in IT networks, pharmacokinetics and the spread of disruptions on infrastructure networks.