Paragonimiasis in Southeast Asia: A 60-Year Bibliometric Analysis (1963-2023)

Paragonimiasis is a neglected tropical disease, often mistaken with common respiratory diseases, has resulted in substantial global literature. However, there is a notable lack of comprehensive literature specifically focused on paragonimiasis in Southeast Asia (SEA). To address this gap, we conducted a bibliometric assessment to provide an overview of existing literature on this disease.

A literature search was performed in SCOPUS, with metadata analysis using the Bibliometrix package in R. Network visualization was conducted through VOSViewer 1.6.20. Additionally, country-specific socio-economic data were obtained from the World Bank and correlated with scientific productivity using Spearman's correlation analysis, with a significant level set at p-value < 0.05.

This study revealed that Thailand leads in paragonimiasis research within SEA contributing the most in terms of authors, institutions, and publications, followed by Vietnam and the Philippines. Paragonimus heterotremus emerged as the most highly cited Paragonimus species in the region. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified three key research clusters: clinical epidemiology, molecular genetics, and immunodiagnostics. The latter has gained significant attention in recent years. Among socio-economic factors, research collaborations were statistically significant in enhancing scientific productivity in paragonimiasis research across SEA.

The study underscores the importance of strengthening international collaborations to advance paragonimiasis research. It also highlights immunodiagnostics as a crucial area for future research and policy development.