Global and Latin American scientific production related to pneumococcal vaccines

Abstract

The most effective way to fight against diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is prevention through vaccination. The present study analyzed global and Latin American scientific production related to pneumococcal vaccines, highlighting research topics. The global number of publications reached 5737 records from 1945 to 2015 and has increased over time since 1981. Greatest accelerated growth was found from 2000 to 2015, with 2015 as the most productive year. The publications of Latin American authors represented 3.7% of the total. Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico were the most prolific countries, with Brazil heading the list. Most of these articles were published in the scientific journal Vaccine. The topics most frequently covered in Latin American publications and their interrelationships were visualized using self-organized maps. The study showed increasing activity in scientific research on pneumococcal vaccines, with low visibility regarding the contribution made by Latin American countries. It also highlights the sources of publication, as well as the diversity and associations of sub themes found in the scientific literature.