Fig. 2.
Parameter values used for the current simulations. The matrices Nij and Pij represent the number of interactions within and between parameter classes and the level of transfer of live bacterial cells during the interaction, respectively. The Nij matrix contains number of interactions per 8 h shift and is based upon publicly available data sources for a range of health care facilities. The carrying capacity for any class of island is dependent upon patch type but is impacted by the frequency of cleaning (Ci), as well as the thoroughness of that cleaning (Li). The regularity and thoroughness of cleaning is expected to keep the metapopulation from reaching equilibrium on a consistent basis, raising the overall importance of the level of detectability of a pathogen within a facility in the ability of that pathogen to persist over time. The parameter classes in the matrices, in order, are: doctor, nurse, patient, equipment, surfaces. Supporting references for parameter values can be found in the SI