Southeast‑Asian landscape of antimicrobial resistance research (2014-2024): A bibliometric analysis

This study aimed to map the Southeast-Asian research landscape on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) using bibliometric techniques to identify thematic trends, intellectual structures, and research gaps.

A total of 1,989 Scopus-indexed articles published between 2014 and 2024 (mean citations = 17.33 per document) were analyzed using VOSviewer (v 1.6.20). Bibliographic cleaning and preprocessing were conducted in Microsoft Excel. Co-citation analysis identified influential publications and intellectual domains, while co-word analysis revealed thematic clusters and keyword co-occurrence patterns.

AMR publications in Southeast Asia increased steadily, peaking in 2024 with more than 320 articles. The four co-citation clusters represented (1) global AMR governance and risk framing, (2) genomic tools for resistance detection, (3) foodborne AMR and standardized laboratory protocols, and (4) phylogenomic tracking of resistance evolution. Co-word clusters highlighted diagnostic surveillance, sociodemographic patterns, One Health perspectives, and molecular epidemiology. Despite research growth, Southeast Asia remained underrepresented in highly cited studies and global policy dialogues.

Findings underscore the need for stronger integration of Southeast Asia into the global AMR agenda. Enhancing regional genomic surveillance, adapting global frameworks to local systems, and embedding AMR competencies in public health and nursing education are vital to advancing policy and capacity-building.