Sensitivity analysis for a within-human-host immuno-pathogenesis dynamics of Plasmodium falciparum parasites

Abstract

Sensitivity analysis has become increasingly useful in many fields of engineering and sciences. Researchers use sensitivity and uncertainty analysis in the mathematical modelling of biological phenomena because of its value in identifying essential parameters for model's output. Moreover, it can help in the process of experimental analysis, model order reduction, parameter estimation, decision making or development of recommendations for decision makers. Here, we demonstrate the use of local sensitivity analysis to understand the influence of different parameters on a threshold parameter, R_0^I, resulting from the analysis of a within human-host model for the dynamics of malaria parasites. %We highlight the different methods used in sensitivity analysis.Our results reveal that the obtained R_0^I is most sensitive to the infection rate of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) by merozoites, the average number of merozoites released per bursting parasitized RBCs, the proportion of parasitized RBCs that continue asexual reproduction and the per capita natural death rate of merozoites.