Does co-infection with malaria boost persistence of trypanosomiasis?

A mathematical model for the interaction of malaria and trypanosomiasis is developed to determine whether the endemicity of malaria increases persistence of trypanosomiasis. In this study, we have allowed protection against both diseases by incorporating parameters ϕtϕt and ϕmϕm in the model. Results indicate that protection against trypanosomiasis reduces prevalence of the disease. In this case, the tsetse fly will have to bite more for the disease to prevail, that is, dN↑. However, presence of malaria increases the persistence of trypanosomiasis in the population. The reduction in trypanosomiasis prevalence as the malaria basic reproduction number is increased indicates a reduced number of contacts with the tsetse fly when the individual has malaria.