Panoramic quantitative and visualization-based bibliometric analysis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections are increasingly associated with severe pneumonia, refractory cases, and extrapulmonary complications.
• These infections pose a significant and growing threat to public health globally.
• Understanding research trends is crucial for developing effective strategies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a bibliometric analysis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae research.
• To identify key contributors, collaboration patterns, and research hotspots.
• To provide insights for future research directions and clinical management.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis of 3,093 articles from Web of Science Core Collection (2009-2024).
• Utilized VOSviewer, Pajek, and Scimago Graphica for indicator analysis.
• Employed CiteSpace for visual analysis of countries, institutions, authors, journals, co-citations, keywords, and genes.

Main Results:

• China led in publications, while the USA showed the strongest collaboration willingness and highest cooperation frequency.
• The UK had the highest single-article citation count; Fudan University demonstrated the greatest total link strength.
• Prominent keywords included "Mycoplasma Pneumoniae" and "community-acquired pneumonia," with a focus on "children." Emerging hotspots include "risk factors" and "plastic bronchitis."

Conclusions:

• This bibliometric analysis highlights the current status, frontiers, and hotspots in Mycoplasma pneumoniae research.
• Findings offer essential guidance for addressing challenges posed by Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.
• Future research may focus on mNGS, severe pneumonia, co-infections, and specific genetic/cytokine pathways.