Complexity of host-vector dynamics in a two-strain dengue model

Abstract

We introduce a compartmental host-vector model for dengue with two viral strains, temporary cross-immunity for the hosts, and possible secondary infections. We study the conditions on existence of endemic equilibria where one strain displaces the other or the two virus strains co-exist. Since the host and vector epidemiology follow different time scales, the model is described as a slow-fast system. We use the geometric singular perturbation technique to reduce the model dimension. We compare the behaviour of the full model with that of the model with a quasi-steady approximation for the vector dynamics. We also perform numerical bifurcation analysis with parameter values from the literature and compare the bifurcation structure to that of previous two-strain host-only models.