Research Output and Global Trends in Lassa Fever: A 50-Year Bibliometric Analysis (1975-2025)

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Lassa fever is a significant public health threat concentrated in West Africa.
• Bibliometric analysis is crucial for understanding research trends and global contributions.
• Documenting research outputs aids in identifying research gaps and future directions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a bibliometric analysis of Lassa fever research outputs from 1975 to 2025.
• To identify trends in publication, country participation, institutions, funding, research fields, journals, authors, and keywords.
• To assess global research collaboration and productivity in Lassa fever.

Main Methods:

• Publications on Lassa fever were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases.
• Keywords included "Lassa fever," "Lassa virus," "Lassa hemorrhagic fever," "Lassa mammarenavirus," and "LASV."
• Bibliometric analysis was performed using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer for data analysis and network visualization.

Main Results:

• A total of 1776 (Scopus) and 2451 (WoS) English-language original research articles were analyzed.
• Research output increased significantly, peaking in 2024, with the United States and Nigeria as top contributors.
• African countries, despite endemicity, showed limited representation among top global research contributors.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a comprehensive historical perspective on Lassa fever research progress.
• Diverse stakeholders play a pivotal role in advancing Lassa fever research.
• There is a critical need for increased funding and focus on Lassa fever research in Africa to improve prevention and control efforts.