Temporal trends in diagnostic evolutions for rickettsial diseases including scrub typhus: a bibliometric study

The bibliometric analysis aimed to assess the bibliometric characteristics, current status and temporal trends in diagnostic evolutions related to infectious diseases caused by the genus Orientia and Rickettsia. Relevant studies were retrieved from Scopus using pre-determined standard keywords. The analysis was performed using the R package 'Bibliometrix' through the 'Biblioshiny' interface. A total of 239 studies were identified for Rickettsia diagnostics, while 168 studies focussed on scrub typhus diagnostics. The annual growth rate of publications in scrub typhus (1.82%) was found to be higher than that of diagnostic research in Rickettsia (1.44%). The Journal of Clinical Microbiology (IF: 5.8) was the most relevant source for Rickettsia research, whereas the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (IF: 3.7) led publications for scrub typhus. The most globally cited articles were authored by Biggs et al (2017) for Rickettsia and Blacksell et al. (2007) for scrub typhus. U.S.A. (n = 119) and India (n = 136) are the most productive nations, publishing in Rickettsia and scrub typhus diagnostics. Mahidol University (Thailand) and the University of Texas (U.S.A.) were the top-contributing institutions. Blacksell S.D. and Raoult D. were identified as the most prolific researchers in Rickettsia and scrub typhus diagnostics. This study provides insights into the impact, productivity, and collaborative patterns among authors, institutions, and other stakeholders in rickettsial disease diagnostics. It offers a historical overview of diagnostic developments and emphasizes the importance of continued innovation and international collaboration to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of rickettsial diseases.