First Comprehensive Global Bibliometric Analysis of Monkeypox Virus Research Landscape From 1976 to 2025

Six decades have elapsed since the index case of monkeypox virus (MPXV) was reported. Unlike most DNA viruses characterized by slow mutation and spread, MPXV caused the global outbreak of 2022, and as expected, several studies prior and post the 2022 outbreak have emanated. Despite its ability to trigger a potential pandemic, there is no holistic quantitative and qualitative insight into MPXV research landscape globally.

Following the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Review (SPAR-4-SLR protocol) applied to the Scopus database, studies were retrieved covering 1976-2025 on MPXV globally and screened using predefined criteria. The final dataset was analyzed using Biblioshiny, RStudio, and VOSviewer tool.

Of the 8460 retrieved records, 5315 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, comprising 79.98% original articles and 20.02% review articles, authored by 32,098 researchers across 1547 journals. Our analysis of the MPXV research revealed an average annual growth rate of 12.38%, with a pronounced surge after 2021, coinciding with the global 2022 outbreak. The United States dominated research output, authorship, funding, institutional leadership, and international collaborations, with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) emerging as the most influential institution. China, India, and the United Kingdom also contributed substantially, while resource-poor settings were underrepresented. Keyword and thematic analyses revealed a transition from early virological and animal studies to recent emphasis on human transmission, epidemiology, vaccination, and therapeutics. Highly cited studies were concentrated in leading infectious disease journals. Overall, MPXV research has evolved rapidly, highlighting expanding global collaboration and shifting research priorities.

The study demonstrates a sharp post-2021 expansion of MPXV research, dominated by high-income countries, particularly the United States. Strengthening research contributions, surveillance, and collaborations from MPXV-endemic regions in Africa is essential for balanced global preparedness and response efforts.