Analysis of symmetries in models of multi-strain infections (Q476792)

This paper studies generic models of multi-strain infections with cross-immunity between strains. Based on the equivariant bifurcation theory, it is possible to identify the type of symmetry-breaking Hopf bifurcation and classify periodic solutions via their spatial and temporal symmetries. Different types of behavior are exhibited by the proposed system as the enhancement of susceptibility and enhancement of transmissibility are varied. Some analytical efforts are perform in the paper towards understanding the dynamics of a variety of different models of multi-strain diseases. Extensive numerical results are provided to support the theoretical prediction.