A Mathematical Model for Assessing the Impact of Intravenous Drug Misuse on the Dynamics of HIV and HCV within Correctional Institutions. (17th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mushayabasa, S.; Bhunu, Claver P.; Stewart, Alexander G. R.
• Other Names: Figge M. T. Academic Editor.; Raffelsberger W. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN biomathematics. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-12-17
• Subjects: Biomathematics -- Periodicals; Models, Biological; Biometry; Biomathematics; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 570.151
• DOI: 10.5402/2012/919502
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-7702

Abstract

Abstract : Unsafe injecting practices, blood exchange, the use of nonsterile needles, and other cutting instruments for tattooing are common in correctional institutions, resulting in a number of blood transmitted infections. A mathematical model for assessing the dynamics of HCV and HIV coinfection within correctional institutions is proposed and comprehensively analyzed. The HCV-only and HIV-only submodels are first considered. Analytical expressions for the threshold parameter in each submodel and the cointeraction are derived. Global dynamics of this coinfection shows that whenever the threshold parameter for the respective submodels and the coinfection model is less than unity, then the epidemics die out, the reverse condition implies disease persistence within correctional institutions. Numerical simulations using a set of plausible parameter values are provided to support analytical findings.