MODELING TOBACCO SMOKING EFFECT ON THE HIV INFECTION OF CD4+ T-CELLS

Tobacco smoking impairs CD4+ T-cells which coordinate the immune system. In this paper we develop a mathematical model to study how tobacco smoking affects the HIV infection of CD4+ T-cells. We derive the model equilibrium states and investigate conditions for their stability. Analysis shows that, disease free equilibrium is locally stable when $R_{0T_1} 1$ and high HIV infection in which $R_{0T_2}>1$. The model is numerically simulated, results indicate that increasing smoking rate decreases uninfected T-cells and increases the number of HIV infected T-cells and free virus. The reduction of uninfected T-cells and the increase of HIV infected T-cells and free virus compromises the immune system and expose a HIV smoker to opportunistic infections which marks a disease stage. To prolong and improve the quality of life for people living with HIV smoking cessation programs should be emphasized.