Aggregation of macroparasite burdens (source code)

= Aggregation of macroparasite burdens
{title2=$\operatorname{Var}(j)=m+m^2/k$}

If host-specific <equilibrium> <mean> burden has a <gamma distribution>, conditional <Poisson distributions> produce a <Poisson-gamma mixture>, hence a <negative binomial distribution>. With <mean> $m$ and shape $k$, its zero-burden <probability> is $(1+m/k)^{-k}$. Decreasing $k$ increases aggregation: a smaller infected-host <prevalence> can accompany the same <mean> burden and more heavily infected individuals.