Kinetic Behavior and Optimal Control of a Fractional-Order Hepatitis B Model

The fractional-order calculus model is suitable for describing real-world problems that contain non-local effects and have memory genetic effects. Based on the definition of the Caputo derivative, the article proposes a class of fractional hepatitis B epidemic model with a general incidence rate. Firstly, the existence, uniqueness, positivity and boundedness of model solutions, basic reproduction number, equilibrium points, and local stability of equilibrium points are studied employing fractional differential equation theory, stability theory, and infectious disease dynamics theory. Secondly, the fractional necessary optimality conditions for fractional optimal control problems are derived by applying the Pontryagin maximum principle. Finally, the optimization simulation results of fractional optimal control problem are discussed. To control the spread of the hepatitis B virus, three control variables (isolation, treatment, and vaccination) are applied, and the optimal control theory is used to formulate the optimal control strategy. Specifically, by isolating infected and non-infected people, treating patients, and vaccinating susceptible people at the same time, the number of hepatitis B patients can be minimized, the number of recovered people can be increased, and the purpose of ultimately eliminating the transmission of hepatitis B virus can be achieved.

Automated summary

The article introduces a fractional-order calculus model to describe real-world problems with non-local and memory genetic effects. It presents a fractional hepatitis B epidemic model with a general incidence rate and studies its solutions, equilibrium points, stability, and optimal control. The optimal control strategy includes isolating infected and non-infected individuals, treating patients, and vaccinating susceptible people to minimize the number of hepatitis B patients and ultimately eliminate the virus transmission.