Mycobacterial Tuberculosis and Leprosy in India: A Scientometric Study

Abstract

Based on Web of Science data for the period 1987 to 2012, the paper analyses the research carried on mycobacterial tuberculosis and leprosy in India. It is seen that India contributes eight percent to the global research output occupying the third position in terms of quantity of research output and ranks 12th when considering the quality and quantity together. Apart from collaboration pattern, the paper also identifies the major institutions, prolific authors and preferred journals. Three-dimensional performance indicator combining quantity, quality and consistency have been used to rank the productivity of Indian institutions and authors in the field of mycobacterial tuberculosis and leprosy research. From the study it can be concluded that India needs to concentrate more on Mycobacterium research because the cases of tuberculosis and leprosy including multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) strains are emerging each year, and there is a necessity to develop effective controlling programmes for eradicating leprosy.