On Simulation of the Effect of Compatibility Test on the Transmission Dynamics of HIV in a Heterosexual Population

Abstract

Tests to determine genotypes, HIV status of partners are nowadays conducted to ascertain their compatibility for marriage or other forms of sexual relationships. The objective of this article is to simulate the effect of compatibility test compliance parameter on the transmission dynamics of HIV.  A mathematical model of HIV incorporating compatibility test compliance parameter is presented. A unique disease-free equilibrium state was determined, indicating possibility of control of HBV disease. The model was solved numerically using Runge-Kutta method of order four to determine the sensitivity of the model solution to this parameter. The results of the numerical simulations of the model show that effective compatibility compliance as a control strategy can eradicate HIV disease. Finally, these findings strongly suggest that high level of compatibility compliance is crucial to the success of HIV disease control.

Key words: HIV, mathematical model, disease-free equilibrium, endemic equilibrium