Trends and evolution of research on Phlebotomus argentipes, a potential vector of visceral leishmaniasis

Neglected tropical disease, visceral leishmaniasis is a significant health issue globally, caused by Leishmania donovani , a protozoan parasite, transmitted by an insect vector sandfly Phlebotomus (P). argentipes . Understanding the disease transmission dynamics is crucial, with P. argentipes being the primary vector in the Indian subcontinent. The study utilized citation network analysis (CNA) to investigate the scientific literature on the sandfly species P. argentipes , focusing on the distribution of publications over the past 80 years. A total of 2601 publications were initially retrieved, refined through manual screening to 400 relevant articles published by 1209 authors in 150 journals in the last eight decades. Data included publication details, such as association of authors, citations, journals, and affiliations. CNA involved the use of VOSviewer software for creating bibliographic networks, visualizing and analyzing citation networks. Core publications highlighted key research areas, including vector control, taxonomy, genetics, and epidemiology. Collaboration across countries and disciplines was evident, emphasizing the global effort to combat visceral leishmaniasis. By analyzing extensive publication data, CNA revealed key research clusters and the most cited works, showing that research into visceral leishmaniasis transmission and vector control has intensified since the 2000s, with significant contributions from India which is highly endemic for visceral leishmaniasis followed by USA, and the UK.