02611nas a2200217   4500000000100000008004100001260001000042653001200052653002600064653002000090653001100110653001800121100001600139700001800155245012200173856005200295300000900347490000700356520201600363022001402379       2025                            d  bLepra10aLeprosy10abibliometric analysis10aresearch trends10aStigma10aGlobal health1 aArgentina F1 aTrifitriana M00aMapping two decades of leprosy research (2000–2025): global publication trends and novelty insights based on Scopus  uhttps://leprosyreview.org/article/96/4/20-25094  a1-120 v963 a<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Objective</strong></p>

<p>This study aims to systematically map and analyzed global leprosy research from 2000 to 2025, identifying publication trends, thematic evolution, and research gaps through bibliometric analysis.</p>

<p><strong>Methods</strong></p>

<p>A comprehensive search was conducted in the Scopus database for all peer-reviewed documents related to leprosy published between January 2000 and July 31, 2025. Data were extracted and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and VOS viewer. Trends in publication output, research hotspots, collaboration networks, and citation impact were mapped and visualized.</p>

<p><strong>Results</strong></p>

<p>A total of 15,400 leprosy-related documents were identified, with publication volume rising from approximately 400 in 2000 to over 900 in 2024. Research output was dominated by Medicine (60.4%), followed by Immunology and Microbiology (8.8%), Biochemistry (7.3%), and Pharmacology (5.1%). Social science and multidisciplinary studies accounted for less than 7%. Original research articles comprised 64.6% of publications. India, Brazil, the United States, and the UK led in publication output. Indonesia and several other endemic countries were underrepresented relative to their disease burden. International collaborations were extensive but not uniformly distributed. Key research hotspots included&nbsp;Mycobacterium leprae, multidrug therapy, disability, stigma, and elimination strategies. Highly cited articles, often in broader disciplinary journals, significantly influenced clinical management and public health policy.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions</strong></p>

<p>Global leprosy research has expanded steadily over the past two decades, but gaps remain in social, operational, and implementation science. Achieving zero leprosy will require broader international collaboration, increased research capacity in high-burden regions, and a stronger focus on stigma and community-based interventions.</p>
  a2162-8807