Mathematical model and analysis of the soil-transmitted helminth infections with optimal control

Abstract

Soil-transmitted helminth diseases are highly prevalent in impoverished regions and pose a significant health burden on the global population. These diseases are primarily transmitted through the contamination of soil with human faces containing parasite eggs. This study presents a novel deterministic mathematical model to comprehensively investigate the dynamics of helminth infection transmission through the soil. The mathematical model exhibits two equilibrium points: the diseases-free equilibrium point (DFE) and the endemic equilibrium point (EEP). The DFE is proven to be locally and globally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number is less than one, indicating the potential for disease eradication. Conversely, the EEP is locally asymptotically stable when the basic reproduction number exceeds unity, representing a persistent endemic state. To explore effective intervention strategies for controlling the spread of these infections, optimal control theory is applied. The study incorporates two time-varying control variables derived from sensitivity analysis: the rate of hygiene consciousness in the susceptible class and the rate of hygiene consciousness in the infectious class. Numerical simulations demonstrate that implementing optimal control strategies can successfully curb and mitigate soil-transmitted helminth infections. Overall, this research highlights the importance of proactive and targeted interventions, emphasizing the significance of hygiene education and awareness campaigns. By implementing optimal control measures based on the proposed strategies, the burden of soil-transmitted helminth diseases can be significantly reduced, improving public health in affected regions.