Effect of density dependence on coinfection dynamics: part 2

TL;DR

This paper extends the stability analysis of a coinfection model with density dependence, exploring equilibrium points, bifurcations, and the conditions for stable coexistence or oscillatory dynamics as the carrying capacity varies.

Contribution

It introduces a new bifurcation technique to analyze complex equilibrium points in coinfection models with density dependence, revealing scenarios for stable coexistence and oscillations.

Findings

Coexistence equilibrium points can be stable under certain conditions.

Bifurcation analysis reveals the potential for Hopf bifurcations and periodic orbits.

Different parameter scenarios lead to distinct stability and coexistence outcomes.

Abstract

In this paper we continue the stability analysis of the model for coinfection with density dependent susceptible population introduced in the 1st part of the paper. We look for coexistence equilibrium points, their stability and dependence on the carrying capacity $K$. Two sets of parameter value are determined, each giving rise to different scenarios for the equilibrium branch parametrized by $K$. In both scenarios the branch includes coexistence points implying that both coinfection and single infection of both diseases can exist together in a stable state. There are no simple explicit expression for these equilibrium points and we will require a more delicate analysis of these points with a new bifurcation technique adapted to such epidemic related problems. The first scenario is described by the branch of stable equilibrium points which includes a section of coexistence points starting at a bifurcation equilibrium point with zero second single infections and finishing at another bifurcation point with zero first single infections. In the second scenario the branch also includes a section of coexistence equilibrium points with the same type of starting point but the branch stays inside the positive cone after this. The coexistence equilibrium points are stable at the start of the section. It stays stable as long as the product of $K$ and the rate $\bar \gamma$ of coinfection resulting from two single infections is small but, after this it can reach a Hopf bifurcation and periodic orbits will appear.