IMMUNOLOGY AND DISEASE-CONTROL - A SYSTEMS-APPROACH

The application of system theory (or more precisely, differential equa tions) to immunology and disease, in general, is presented here, Parti cular results from U.S.-Russian research collaboration depict the pote ntial role of such systematic analysis for more effective health care and disease control. In particular, some emphasis is given to control of influenza. After a brief systematic overview of immunology, a simpl e infectious disease model is developed to explain four basic forms of disease: subclinical, acute, lethal and chronic. Then, disease treatm ent is studied.