The influence of aquatic mosquitoes on Lymphatic Filariasis transmission dynamics: mathematical model approach

Abstract

The disease burden of lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a concern worldwide as it is one of the leading
causes of permanent disability. In this study, a mathematical model of lymphatic filariasis is formulated with interest in the aquatic mosquito population (egg, larva and pupa) on the metamorphosis
of the mosquito life cycle. The existence of the disease-free and the endemic equilibrium states and
the basic reproduction number are established. In addition, the sensitivity indices indicate that the
biting rate of mosquitoes, the recruitment rate of the aquatic mosquito population, the probability
of transmitting infection during contact between humans and mosquitoes and the mortality rate
of mosquitoes are the sensitive parameters in the disease dynamics. Through numerical simulations, it is observed that the sensitive parameters have an effect in reducing the burden of lymphatic
filariasis in the population. Thus, public health education and the usage of larvicides should be
encouraged as these would cause a drastic reduction in the maturation rate of mosquitoes, especially
in communities where stagnant waters are endemic.