Tracking the evolution of tuberculosis research priorities in Africa: a longitudinal bibliometric analysis from 2003-2023.

Abstract

Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the primary causative agent of pulmonary tuberculosis and remains a major global public health concern, particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Tuberculosis continues to be one of the leading causes of death from infectious diseases and is a significant contributor to mortality among both HIV-positive and HIV-negative populations in Africa. Despite extensive epidemiological research on tuberculosis, bibliometric analyses focusing on African research output remain limited. This study therefore examined trends, patterns, and research gaps in tuberculosis-related publications across African countries.

Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database for publications between January 2003 and December 2023. The study selection process followed PRISMA guidelines. A total of 8,797 records were identified, of which 8,181 met the inclusion criteria after screening and eligibility assessment. Data were analyzed using RStudio (Bibliometrix package and Biblioshiny interface) and Microsoft Excel 2023. Analyses included authorship patterns, institutional and country contributions, publication trends, citation analysis, collaboration networks, leading journals, funding organizations, and thematic mapping.

Results: Tuberculosis research output in Africa increased consistently over the study period. Articles accounted for most publications (75%), followed by reviews (10%) and conference papers (2%). South Africa was the most productive and most cited country, while the University of Cape Town demonstrated the strongest institutional collaboration network. Highly cited contributions included studies by Hoosen Coovadia et al. (2009) and Abdelkrim Boutayeb (2006). PLOS ONE published the highest number of articles, followed by the South African Medical Journal and the International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. Collaboration networks showed strong intra-African and international linkages. Key research themes included HIV/TB co-infection, drug resistance, epidemiology, and public health interventions.

Conclusion: Tuberculosis research in Africa has increased substantially over the past two decades, with growing emphasis on epidemiology, drug resistance, and HIV co-infection. South Africa remains the leading contributor, likely reflecting stronger research infrastructure and funding capacity. However, gaps persist in regionally balanced research output and collaboration. Strengthening intra-African and global partnerships, as well as supporting underrepresented regions, will be critical for advancing tuberculosis research and control efforts across the continent.

Systematic review registration: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21672964.