Global research trends in central nervous system tuberculosis — A bibliometric analysis

• Published in: Journal of clinical tuberculosis and other mycobacterial diseases 2024-02, Vol.34, p.100414-100414, Article 100414
• Main Authors: Pant, Aaradhya, Farrokhi, Farrokh, Gyawali, Purnima, Yekuno, Kalkidan, Shah, Om, Singh, Shreejana, Raj Sharma, Mohan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bibliometric; Disparities; Global; Neurological; Tuberculosis
• ISSN: 2405-5794; 2405-5794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jctube.2024.100414

Central Nervous System Tuberculosis (CNS-TB) is a serious public health concern causing significant morbidity and mortality, especially in high TB burden countries. Despite the expanding research landscape of CNS-TB, there is no comprehensive map of this field. This work aims to (1) obtain a current and comprehensive overview of the CNS-TB research landscape, (2) investigate the intellectual and social structure of CNS-TB publications, and (3) detect geographical discrepancies in scientific production, highlighting regions requiring increased research focus. We conducted a bibliometric analysis on CNS-TB literature indexed in Web of Science from 2000 to 2022, evaluating 2130 articles. The dataset was analyzed in R for descriptive statistics. We used R-bibliometrix and VOSViewer for data visualization. Publication output grew annually at an average rate of 6·88%, driven primarily by India and China. International collaborations comprised 16·44% of total publications but contributed to 11 of the 15 top-cited papers. Additionally, we identified discrepancies of CNS-TB research in many low- and middleincome countries relative to their TB incidence. Our findings reveal a growing interest in CNS-TB research from China and India, countries with rapidly developing economies, high TB burdens, and a recent increase in research funding. Furthermore, we found that international collaborations are correlated with high impact and accessibility of CNS-TB research. Finally, we identified disparities in CNS-TB research in specific countries, particularly in many low- and middle-income countries, emphasizing the need for increased research focus in these regions.