Within-host Cellular Automata Model of Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan capable of replicating sexually in cats and asexually in other warm-blooded animals. By using a three dimensional mesh of both the brain and spleen, it is possible to simulate using a computational model to demonstrate the entire life-cycle of the parasite as it completes its’ life-cycle using host cells of these organs. A cellular automata model is developed to demonstrate the dynamics of the parasite, where each cell follows the same set of rules for each discrete time-step. The cellular automata models data simulations to be run of the parasite within a mouse and display graphical images and animations. The simulations of this model are performed using approximations to describe an infection within a mouse brain and spleen. ∗Email: [email protected].