Multiple infection leads to backward bifurcation for a schistosomiasis model.

Abstract

Based on years of experience in schistosomiasis prevention and treatment, one of the typical features of schistosomiasis is multiple infection of a human host by parasites, which may dramatically a ect the host's infectivity. In this paper we establish a schistosomiasis model that takes into consideration multiple infection by separating humans with single and multiple infectious. The disease free equilibrium is shown to be globally asymptotically stable under certain condition. The model analysis suggests that a backward bifurcation may occur if the transmission rate from multiple infected humans to snails is high. This conclusion has not been seen in previous models of schistosomiasis. Such backward bifurcation is not possible without considering multiple infections. This conclusion may provide a new threshold theory for the prevention and treatment of schistosomiasis. Furthermore, numerical simulations suggest that e ective treatment of humans with multiple infection is important to control schistosomiasis. Especially, prevention of multiple infection may be critical.