A Differential Algebra Approach to Identifiability of HIV/AIDS Models

In this paper we check a priori global identifiability of a nonlinear HIV model taken from the recent literature by using a recently proposed differential algebra approach. The HIV model is rather complex and has not yet been successfully analyzed by traditional techniques. Here, we demonstrate that identifiability of this complex model can be tested by a differential algebra algorithm based on previous work of the author. The algorithm actually provides a general and reliable tool to test global identifiability of several HIV models proposed in the literature. We have recently developed a computer algebra software tool, called DAISY (Differential Algebra for Identifiability of SYstems), based on differential algebra, which can be used to automatically check global identifiability of (linear and) nonlinear models described by polynomial or rational differential equations. The software can be used by researchers with a minimum of mathematical background and is available on the web site http://www.dei.unipd.it/~pia/.