A mathematical model for antimalarial drug resistance.
We formulate and analyze a mathematical model for malaria with treatment and the well-known three levels of resistance in humans. The model incorporates both sensitive and resistant strains of the parasites. Analytical results reveal that the model exhibits the phenomenon of backward bifurcation (co-existence of a stable disease-free equilibrium with a stable endemic equilibrium), an epidemiological situation where although necessary, having the basic reproduction number less than unity, it is not sufficient for disease elimination. Through quantitative analysis, we show the effects of varying treatment levels in a high transmission area with different levels of resistance. Increasing treatment has limited benefits in a population with resistant strains, especially in high transmission settings. Thus, in a cost-benefit analysis, the rate of treatment and percentage to be treated become difficult questions to address.
Tchuenche
Jean M
JM
Mathematics Department, University of Dar es Salaam, PO Box 35062, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. jmtchuenche@gmail.com
Chiyaka
Christinah
C
Chan
David
D
Matthews
Amanda
A
Mayer
Ghislaine
G
D000818:Animals; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D050936:Basic Reproduction Number; D003198:Computer Simulation; D009033:Culicidae; D060740:Disease Eradication; D004351:Drug Resistance; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010961:Plasmodium / Q000187:drug effects; D011157:Population Dynamics; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000962:Antimalarials