Analyses of Hepatitis C Virus with Targeted Treatment for Chronic Infections: Mathematical Modeling Perspective

Abstract

This paper examined the spread of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among population of
chronically infected individuals receiving treatment. The model classifies individuals into five
categories: susceptible, acutely infected, chronically infected, treated, and recovered, and is
governed by a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The qualitative analysis
focuses on key solution properties such as positivity, boundedness, existence, uniqueness, and
the stability of the disease-free equilibrium, along with a sensitivity analysis. MATLAB
simulations provide additional insights into the progression of the infection. The study findings
highlight the potential of timely intervention, using either direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) or
natural herbal supplements under medical guidance, to significantly reduce the duration of
chronic HCV infection and ultimately eliminate the virus.