Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of Triple Co-Infections of Dengue, Chikungunya, and Malaria

Background Triple co-infections of dengue, chikungunya, and malaria pose significant health risks in tropical and subtropical regions where these diseases co-circulate. Most existing models focus on single or dual infections, overlooking the complex interactions among all three pathogens. This study develops a unified mathematical framework to investigate the transmission dynamics of dengue, chikungunya, and malaria co-infections. Methods A deterministic compartmental model is constructed to capture the epidemiological interplay of the three infections. The model is subjected to rigorous mathematical analysis, including derivation of equilibria, reproduction numbers, and stability conditions. Numerical simulations are conducted to explore co-infection dynamics under varying epidemiological scenarios. Results Analysis reveals that co-infections significantly alter disease transmission thresholds and epidemic potential compared to single infections. The basic reproduction number is shown to depend on both individual and combined contributions of the pathogens. Simulations demonstrate that the presence of one infection can amplify or suppress the spread of the others, highlighting nonlinear interactions. Conclusion The study emphasizes the need for integrated control strategies targeting all three infections simultaneously, rather than disease-specific interventions. The model provides valuable insights into the complexity of triple co-infections, informing public health policies in regions with overlapping disease burdens. MSC[2020] 92D30 92C60 37N25