MODELING BURULI ULCER TRANSMISSION: SEIR-SEI ANALYSIS WITH IMMUNITY LOSS AND ARSENIC CONTAMINATION

This article presents a novel mathematical model to explore the transmission dynamics of \textit{Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU)} infection, focusing on the waterborne spread. Using SEIR and SEI models for human and water-bug populations, it considers factors such as disease-related deaths and arsenic-contaminated water. The analysis determines the basic reproduction number $(R_0)$, which dictates the stability of disease-free and endemic equilibria. The study underscores the importance of controlling Buruli ulcer transmission, offering valuable insights for global health management.