Mathematical assessment of the role of non-linear birth and maturation delay in the population dynamics of the malaria vector

A delay ordinary deterministic differential equation model for the population dynamics of the malaria vector is rigorously analysed subject to two forms of the vector birth rate function: the Verhulst-Pearl logistic growth function and the Maynard-Smith-Slatkin function. It is shown that, for any birth rate function satisfying some assumptions, the trivial equilibrium of the model is globally-asymptotically stable if the associated vectorial reproduction number is less than unity. Further, the model has a non-trivial equilibrium which is locally-asymptotically stable under a certain condition. The non-trivial equilibrium bifurcates into a limit cycle via a Hopf bifurcation. It is shown, by numerical simulations, that the amplitude of oscillating solutions increases with increasing maturation delay. Numerical simulations suggest that the Maynard-Smith-Slatkin function is more suitable for modelling the vector population dynamics than the Verhulst-Pearl logistic growth model, since the former is associated with increased sustained oscillations, which (in our view) is a desirable ecological feature, since it guarantees the persistence of the vector in the ecosystem.