摘要

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem. A possible risk factor for TB is diabetes (DM), which is predicted to increase dramatically over the next two decades, particularly in low and middle income countries, where TB is widespread. This study aimed to assess the strength of the association between TB and DM. We present a deterministic model for TB in a community in order to determine the impact of DM in the spread of the disease. The important mathematical features of the TB model are thoroughly investigated. The epidemic threshold known as the basic reproduction number and equilibria for the model are determined and stabilities analyzed. The model is numerically analyzed to assess the impact of DM on the transmission dynamics of TB. We perform sensitivity analysis on the key parameters that drive the disease dynamics in order to determine their relative importance to disease transmission and prevalence. Numerical simulations suggest that DM enhances the TB transmission and progression to active TB in a community. The results suggest that there is a need for increased attention to intervention strategies such as the chemoprophylaxis of TB latent individuals and treatment of active TB in people with DM, which may include testing for suspected diabetes, improved glucose control, and increased clinical and therapeutic monitoring in order to reduce the burden of the disease.

  • 出版日期2012