Work

Mathematical modelling of the co-infection dynamics of soil-transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis with optimal control

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STHs) and Schistosomiasis remain among the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where co-infection is common. In this work, we propose and analyze a deterministic co-infection model that explicitly incorporates two environmental reservoirs (soil and water), nonlinear forces of infection, and disease-induced mortality. The analytical results establish conditions for local and global stability of equilibria and show that persistence is strongly influenced by transmission pathways. Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis using partial rank correlation coefficients and Monte Carlo simulations identify contamination and recovery parameters as the most influential factors driving endemicity. Furthermore, numerical experiments, of optimal control analysis with the classical Runge–Kutta method, confirm the robustness of the computational approach. The study demonstrates that both infections can persist above threshold conditions, highlighting the importance of integrated intervention strategies. These results contribute new theoretical insights to the modelling of neglected tropical diseases and inform sustainable control policies.

Source: Boundary Value Problems

DOI: 10.1186/s13661-025-02146-z

Authors: Walter Okongo, Cosmas Muhumuza, Nnaemeka Stanley Aguegboh, Erion Bwambale, Boubacar Diallo

Institutions: Uganda National Council for Higher Education, Veritas University, Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako

Language: English

Topic: Mathematical and Theoretical Epidemiology and Ecology Models

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,890