Bibliometric Analysis of Antibacterial Drug Resistance: An Overview

Introduction

Antibacterial drug resistance (ADR), also known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), is one of the most urgent global health threats of the 21st century (Elisabeth, 2023). The discovery of antibiotics was a revolutionary medical breakthrough, transforming once-fatal infections into treatable conditions (IK et al., 2023). However, their misuse and overuse have led to the evolution of resistant bacterial pathogens (Shaikh et al., 2023). As a result, previously treatable infections have become increasingly lethal, posing a growing challenge to public health systems, economic infrastructures, and global health security (Ding et al., 2023). The history of ADR research parallels the broader history of antibiotics. Since Alexander Fleming’s landmark discovery of penicillin in 1928 and the emergence of resistance by the 1940s, our relationship with these drugs has been complex (Zabiszak et al., 2023). The “Golden Age” of antibiotic discovery in the 1950s and 1970s introduced new antibiotic classes but also saw the emergence of resistant bacteria (Qian et al., 2023). Subsequent decades witnessed the alarming rise of multidrug-resistant strains, such as MDR tuberculosis, prompting research into mechanisms such as horizontal gene transfer (Espinoza et al., 2023). Since the 2000s, research has expanded to include socioeconomic, behavioral, and policy considerations, embracing the “One Health” approach (D. C. Jones et al., 2023). The “One Health” approach is a holistic, interdisciplinary model for addressing complex health challenges at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health (Tiedje et al., 2023). In traditional healthcare models, human health is often addressed in isolation. Similarly, veterinary science has focused on animal health separately, and environmental health has been considered another distinct realm. However, the “One Health” model argues that these health sectors are deeply interconnected. For example, antibiotics not only are used in human medicine but are also widely used in veterinary practices and even in agriculture. Resistant bacteria can be transmitted between humans and animals or can contaminate natural water sources, affecting wildlife and allowing humans to return to full circulation. In this way, a problem that starts in one area can quickly spread to others, highlighting the importance of an integrated approach.

Bibliometric analysis, a subfield of scientometrics, provides a quantitative perspective on the evolving landscape of academic and clinical research, particularly in critical areas such as antibacterial drug resistance (Diéguez-Santana & González-Díaz, 2023). This method uses mathematical and statistical tools to quantify and analyze publication data, shedding light on patterns, influential contributors, research trends, and existing gaps (Yingngam, 2023a). This study also highlights the global response to challenges such as AMR. The foundational databases for this approach include Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, which are further enriched by citation indices such as the Science Citation Index (SCI) and the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) (Yingngam, 2023b). Visualization tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and HistCite aid in identifying trends, while metrics such as the H-index and impact factor help refine our understanding of research impact. Despite its objectivity in assessing scientific literature and mapping research landscapes, bibliometric analysis has limitations. For instance, a high number of citations does not necessarily indicate high-quality work. Additionally, major databases may overlook some publications, interdisciplinary categorization can pose challenges, and there may be bias toward English-language research, potentially sidelining significant contributions in other languages.

This chapter aims to (1) provide a comprehensive bibliometric overview of the literature on antibacterial drug resistance; (2) map the evolution of the field, highlighting landmark studies and key turning points; (3) identify core themes, gaps, and future directions in AMR research; and (4) offer insights into the most influential authors, institutions, and journals contributing to this body of knowledge.