Optimal control of a tick population with a view to control of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Math Biosci Eng
; 20(10): 18916-18938, 2023 Oct 10.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38052583
ABSTRACT
In some regions of the Americas, domestic dogs are the host for the tick vector Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and spread the tick-borne pathogen Rickettsia rickettsii, which causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) in humans. Interventions are carried out against the vector via dog collars and acaricidal wall treatments. This paper investigates the optimal control of acaricidal wall treatments, using a prior model for populations and disease transmission developed for this particular vector, host, and pathogen. It is modified with a death term during questing stages reflecting the cost of control and level of coverage. In the presence of the control, the percentage of dogs and ticks infected with Ri. rickettsii decreases in a short period and remains suppressed for a longer period, including after treatment is discontinued. Risk of RMSF infection declines by 90% during this time. In the absence of re-application, infected tick and dog populations rebound, indicating the eventual need for repeated treatment.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Fiebre Maculosa de las Montañas Rocosas
/
Rhipicephalus sanguineus
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Math Biosci Eng
Año:
2023
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos