A Bibliometric Study on Buruli Ulcer Based on the Web of Science Database

Area of Science:

• Neglected tropical diseases
• Mycobacterial infections
• Public health

Background:

• Buruli ulcer, caused by *Mycobacterium ulcerans*, is a neglected tropical disease predominantly affecting developing African nations.
• Untreated infections can result in chronic wounds and limb loss, underscoring its severe public health impact.
• Limited bibliometric studies exist, particularly using the Web of Science Core Collection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of scientific publications on Buruli ulcer.
• To identify research trends, key contributors, and prevalent themes in Buruli ulcer literature.
• To establish a baseline for future research and inform public health strategies.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis of publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection.
• Utilized Biblioshiny (version 2.0) for data visualization and analysis.
• Examined publication trends, geographical contributions, and keyword frequencies.

Main Results:

• The study identified a growing trend in Buruli ulcer publications, particularly since 2016.
• Ghana emerged as the leading contributor, with significant input from the United States and European countries.
• Keywords such as 'treatment,' 'diagnosis,' and 'transmission routes' were most frequently used.

Conclusions:

• This is the first bibliometric analysis of Buruli ulcer research indexed in the Web of Science.
• Findings provide valuable insights into the research landscape and can guide future academic endeavors.
• The study highlights the increasing scientific attention on Buruli ulcer, a critical neglected tropical disease.