Global Trends and Knowledge Networks in Infectious Disease Research Across Pandemic Phases: A Bibliometric and Science-Mapping Analysis

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"Jumayev Akbar1
1
PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of
Orthopedic Dentistry and Orthodontics, Bukhara
state medical institutte named after Abu Ali ibn
Sino,
Republic
of
Uzbekistan,E-mail:
[email protected] https://orcid.org/00000002-2504-1699"
"Akhtamova Nilufar Akbajonovna2,
2
Assistent of the Department of Obstetrics and
gynaecology N1 of the Samarkand state medical
university, Doctor of philosophy, Uzbekistan,
Samarkand. E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID ID: 0000-0001-9425-9870"
Norpolot Bobokulovich Nurov3
3
Senior Lecturer, PhD, Department of
Orthopedic Dentistry and Orthodontics, Bukhara
State Medical Institute named after Abu Ali Ibn
Sina,
[email protected]
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3971-6877
Achilova Matlyuba Mirkhamzaevna4
4
Doctor of philosophy, Assistant, Department of
infectious diseases, Faculty of Pediatrics,
Samarkand
State
Medical
University,
Uzbekistan;
E-mail:
[email protected]
E-mail:
[email protected] ORCID ID: 0000-00025255-684X
Nasimova Nigina Rustamovna5
5
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Assistant
Professor, Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology No. 2, Faculty of Pediatrics,
Samarkand
State
Medical
University,
Uzbekistan; E-mail: [email protected]
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-5268-2379
Xusanov Zafar Toshmuradovich6
6
assistant of Department of Neyrosurgery
Samarkand
State
Medical
University.
[email protected]
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3140-6240

Received-17-05-2026
Revised-20-06-2026
Accepted-25-06-2026

European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry (2026) 34(4s), 131–143

Global
Trends
and
Knowledge
Networks
in
Infectious Disease Research
Across Pandemic Phases: A
Bibliometric and ScienceMapping Analysis

Background:The COVID-19 pandemic triggered an unprecedented global surge in infectious disease research, yet the evolution of this scientific landscape across distinct pandemic phases remains poorly characterized. Understanding how research output, collaboration structures, and thematic priorities have shifted from pre-pandemic to post-pandemic periods is vital for strengthening global preparedness and guiding equitable research policy. Objective:This study aimed to map the temporal evolution, geographic distribution, and intellectual structure of infectious disease research across three pandemic phases—pre-pandemic (2017–2019), pandemic (2020–2022), and post-pandemic transition (2023–2025)—to identify shifting knowledge networks, collaboration patterns, and emerging research foci. Methods:A bibliometric and science-mapping approach was applied using publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection. Data were analyzed quantitatively and visually using Biblioshiny, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. Indicators included total output, citation impact, international collaboration index, co-authorship and co-citation networks, and keyword co-occurrence clusters. Comparative temporal analysis identified thematic transitions, institutional leadership, and geographic collaboration shifts across the three pandemic phases. Results:Across 58,000 indexed papers, infectious disease research exhibited a 240% growth rate between the pre- and pandemic periods, with sustained productivity post-pandemic. Collaboration networks expanded beyond the traditional dominance of North American and European hubs to include more contributions from Asia and the Global South. Thematic mapping revealed transitions from pathogen- and outbreak-specific studies toward health systems resilience, vaccine equity, and One Health frameworks. Post-2023 publications showed diversification of topics, encompassing digital epidemiology, long-COVID surveillance, and antimicrobial resistance in the context of global preparedness. Conclusion:This study delineates how infectious disease research underwent structural and thematic transformation during and after the pandemic. The findings highlight the emergence of more inclusive and interconnected scientific networks, alongside persistent geographic inequities. By elucidating evolving research priorities and collaboration dynamics, these insights can inform future strategies for global health research coordination, equitable funding allocation, and crisis-responsive science policy. Keywords:Bibliometric analysis; infectious disease research; pandemic phases; global collaboration; science mapping; One Health; digital epidemiology; research policy; knowledge networks; global health preparedness.

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