A Study of Quantitative Correlations Between Crucial Bio-markers and the Optimal Drug Regimen of Type-I Lepra Reaction

Abstract

Leprosy (Hansen's) is a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. This disease slowly leads to occurrence of leprae reactions which mainly damage peripheral nervous system which cause loss of organs. We can prevent occurring leprae reactions by monitoring the bio-markers involved in it. Motivated by these observations in this research work we do a exhaustive study dealing with the quantitative correlations between crucial bio-markers and the Multi Drug Thearphy (MDT) used in treating the type I lepra reaction. We frame and study a complex 11 compartment model dealing with the the concentrations of plasma $c_1(t)$ and effective drug action $c_2(t)$, susceptible schwann cells $S(t)$, infected schwann cells $I(t)$, bacterial load $B(t)$, and five cytokines pivotal in Type-1 Lepra reaction: IFN-$γ$, TNF-$α$, IL-$10$, IL-$12$, IL-$15$, and IL-$17$. We explore exhaustively and establish the quantitative correlations with respect to the optimal drug dosage of the MDT drugs such as rifampin, clofazimine \& dapsone and the crucial bio-markers involved in type I lepra reaction. We conclude this work by reitrating the fact that the optimal drug dosage of the MDT drugs found through these optimal control studies and the dosage prescribed as per WHO guidelines are almost the same.