Vertical transmission in epidemic models of sexually transmitted diseases with isolation from reproduction

Abstract

We describe a population logistic model exposed to a mild life-long sexually transmitted disease, that is, without significant increased mortality among infected individuals and providing no immunity/recovery. We then modify this model to include groups isolated from sexual contact and analyze their potential effect on the dynamics of the population. We are interested in how the isolated class may curb the growth of the infected group while keeping the healthy population at acceptable levels. In particular, we analyze the connection between vertical transmission and isolation from reproduction on the long term behavior of the disease. A comparison with similar effects caused by vaccination and quarantine is also provided.