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 <i>Orientia</i> and <i>Rickettsia</i>. 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 <i>Rickettsia</i> 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 <i>Rickettsia</i> (1.44%). The Journal of Clinical Microbiology (IF: 5.8) was the most relevant source for <i>Rickettsia</i> 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 <i>Rickettsia</i> and Blacksell et al. (2007) for scrub typhus. U.S.A. (<i>n</i> = 119) and India (<i>n</i> = 136) are the most productive nations, publishing in <i>Rickettsia</i> 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 <i>Rickettsia</i> 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.