A Bibliometric Analysis on Viral Central Nervous System Infection Research Productivity in Southeast Asia

Research productivity on viral infections of the nervous system in Southeast Asia (SEA) is unknown. We aimed to determine the research productivity of SEA in terms of bibliometric indices and PlumX metrics and their correlation with socioeconomic factors. A comprehensive search of major electronic databases was done to identify studies on viral infections of the nervous system with at least one author from SEA. Socioeconomic factors and collaborations outside SEA were determined. Correlational analysis was done on bibliometric indices and socioeconomic factors. A total of 542 articles were analyzed. The majority came from Thailand (n = 164, 30.2%). Most articles used a descriptive study design (n = 175, 32.2%). The most common topic was Japanese encephalitis (n = 170, 31.3%). The % gross domestic product allotted for research, number of neurologists, and number of collaborations outside SEA correlated with the bibliometric indices and PlumX metrics. In conclusion, the number of research from SEA was low but the quality was comparable to the global benchmark. Improving resource allocation and collaboration between SEA nations and other countries may support this endeavor.