Growth and dimensions of monkeypox research: a scientometrics study

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to analyse the trend of Mpox research in the pre and post-outbreak period. The study compared the growth pattern, major research areas, sources of publications, funding agencies, countries and institutions invested in Mpox research, and institutional and countrywide collaboration patterns in Mpox research in both periods. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on the data retrieved from the Web of Science database for two time frames: the pre-outbreak period (January 1989–April 2022) and the post-outbreak period (May 2022–December 2022). The study is limited to research articles and reviews articles from Web Science. The study used Microsoft Excel and VOSviewer visualization software to derive results. Findings The study found few publications on Mpox before the epidemic outbreak, and a steep increase is visible after it. Before and after the Mpox pandemic, the USA ranked first in the production of literature. The focus of research before the outbreak of the epidemic was on virology, which was replaced by infectious diseases during the post-epidemic period. More publications were found available in open-access journals during the post-outbreak time. Author collaboration with US authors from other countries is higher in the post-outbreak period. During the pre-outbreak time, the principal supporters of Mpox research were American funding agencies and institutes. The study reveals that the research in post-outbreak is more concentrated on diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Mpox. Practical implications This study offers a systematic literature review on Mpox’s overall research productivity. It contrasted the patterns of this field’s pre- and post-epidemic research. The conclusions of this study will act as a guide for scientists operating all across the world. Originality/value A thorough scientometric analysis of the trend of Mpox research in the pre- and post-outbreak period has not been attempted. It will help identify the nature of research on Mpox over the years, which will support future research on Mpox attempted across the globe.