The nutritional nexus: Modeling the impact of malnutrition on TB transmission

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant problem in many parts of the world, particularly in nations with poor and intermediate incomes. In this study, a deterministic model for tuberculosis is presented and carefully analyzed. The study takes a comprehensive approach by combining tuberculosis and malnutrition in a single mathematical model. While both issues are individually studied, their interaction within a single model is a novel aspect of this research. The population is divided into two groups: those who are well-nourished and individuals who are malnourished. This division is necessary to examine the potential impact of malnutrition on the progression of the disease. The important mathematical properties of the tuberculosis model are rigorously investigated. The basic reproduction number is computed using the next-generation matrix approach and is used to assess the model’s stability. Bifurcation analysis, conducted using the Center Manifold Theory, establishes that the model system exhibits a forward bifurcation. Numerical simulations of the model indicate that an increase in tuberculosis susceptibility due to malnutrition leads to a higher number of tuberculosis-infected individuals in the population. These results suggest that addressing nutrition issues is crucial in alleviating the spread of tuberculosis, and a balanced diet is essential in curbing the burden of the disease.