Trends in Latent Tuberculosis Infection Among Healthcare Workers Over the Past Three Decades: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) is a health problem reported to affect approximately one-quarter of the global population, but the infection has not received adequate attention.

Objectives: This bibliometric analysis aims to explore the perspectives of LTBI in healthcare workers (HCWs) through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of publications from 1995 to 2024, focusing on journal articles and reviews, influential countries, and authors.

Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database, searching for publications related to LTBI in HCWs. The analysis included publication trends, citation patterns, co-authorship, institutional and country contributions, co-occurrence of keywords, and reference co-citation.

Results: A total of 281 publications were identified, comprising 254 articles and 27 reviews. Over time, the number of publications showed a fluctuating but generally increasing trend, with an annual growth rate of 3.86%. Additionally, the United States, South Korea, and Italy were the top contributing countries. The PLOS ONE journal had the highest number of publications (29) and citations (577). The most frequently used keywords were "human" and "healthcare personnel." Collaboration network analysis showed substantial international collaboration, signifying a strong global effort to address LTBI in HCWs.

Conclusions: This bibliometric analysis showed that research on LTBI in HCWs grew over the past three decades. Although publication numbers fluctuated, the general increasing trend suggested the significance of this issue in healthcare sector. The observed international collaborations further reflected the global effort made to combat LTBI in healthcare settings. Continued research and attention to LTBI among HCWs are essential to inform policy and practice.