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Mapping Bacteriophage-Based Antimicrobial Research in Southeast Asia: A Bibliometric Analysis of Scientific Productivity, Knowledge Structure, and Emerging Research Pathways
by
, , , and
Christian Joseph N. Ong
1,2, 
Johnalie N. Cabalbag
1,
Jowi Tsidkenu Pili Cruz
1,
Teodora T. Valderama
3, 
Celia R. Roslin
4,
Carina M. Magtibay
5,
Janice Kaylyn K. Lonogan
6,
Amelda C. Libres
7,
Joel G. Matamis
8,
Jose Edwardo R. Mamaat
9,
Ferdinand A. Mortel
10
,
Grace D. Bacalzo
11,
Kevin Smith P. Cabuhat
12,13,
Carlos S. de Leon
14,
Jose Jurel M. Nuevo
15,
Joel R. Aguilan
16 and
Jamil Allen G. Fortaleza
17,18,* 1
Department of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila 1004, Philippines
2
Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Manila Central University, Caloocan 1400, Philippines
3
Department of Medical Technology, College of Nursing, Cavite State University, Indang 4122, Philippines
4
School of Medical Technology, Centro Escolar University, Manila 1001, Philippines
5
College of Allied Medical Professions, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Batangas 4200, Philippines
6
School of Natural Sciences, University of Baguio, Baguio City 2600, Philippines
7
College of Medical Laboratory Science, Liceo de Cagayan University, Cagayan de Oro City 9000, Philippines
8
School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, St. Dominic College of Asia, Bacoor 4102, Philippines
9
Department of Medical Technology, Far Eastern University, Manila 1008, Philippines
10
College of Medical Technology, Manila Central University, Caloocan 1400, Philippines
11
College of Allied Medical Sciences, Wesleyan University-Philippines, Cabanatuan City 3100, Philippines
12
Basic Education Department, La Consolacion University Philippines, Malolos 3000, Philippines
13
Bulacan State University, Malolos City 3000, Philippines
14
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College, Quezon City 1116, Philippines
15
College of Medical Laboratory Science, Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela City 1440, Philippines
16
College of Medical Technology, Calayan Educational Foundation, Inc., Lucena City 4301, Philippines
17
National University, Sampaloc, Manila 1008, Philippines
18
School of Arts and Sciences, NU Fairview, Quezon City 1100, Philippines
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Biology 2026, 15(18), 1596; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15181596
Submission received: 18 August 2026
/
Revised: 4 September 2026
/
Accepted: 8 September 2026
/
Published: 10 September 2026
(This article belongs to the Section Microbiology)
Simple Summary
Bacteriophage research has attracted increasing attention in Southeast Asia as a potential strategy to address antimicrobial resistance and other bacterial threats. This study examines the development of research in the region and identifies emerging interests in phage therapy, biofilm control, aquaculture, genomics, and One Health. The results underscore the necessity for enhanced regional collaboration, shared research infrastructure, and increased efforts to translate phage research into practical and clinical applications.
Abstract
Southeast Asia faces a substantial burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), creating increasing interest in bacteriophage-based antimicrobial strategies. However, the regional development, contributors, collaboration patterns, and evolving research priorities of this field remain insufficiently characterized. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of Scopus-indexed publications on bacteriophage-based antimicrobial research affiliated with Southeast Asian countries from 1981 to 2025. Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny and VOSviewer were used to evaluate scientific production, citation patterns, leading contributors, collaboration networks, and conceptual and thematic development. A total of 862 publications were analyzed, with scientific output accelerating markedly after 2019 and reaching its highest level in 2025. Thailand emerged as the dominant regional contributor, with Vongkamjan (n = 21) and Surachat (n = 20) as the two most prolific authors. Mahidol University (n = 182), Prince of Songkla University (n = 142), and Universiti Putra Malaysia (n = 139) were the leading institutions, demonstrating a concentration of research capacity in Thailand and Malaysia. Scientific Reports was the most productive journal (30 publications), whereas Frontiers in Microbiology recorded the highest citation count among the leading sources (963 citations). Collaboration mapping revealed increasingly interconnected regional and international research networks. Thematic analyses demonstrated a transition from foundational and pathogen-specific investigations toward AMR, bacteriophage therapy, biofilm control, aquaculture, genomic and comparative genomic analysis, wastewater and public-health applications, and One Health-oriented research. Emerging topics included endolysins, quorum sensing, CRISPR-associated approaches, metagenomics, and genome-informed phage characterization. These findings demonstrate the rapid expansion and thematic diversification of bacteriophage-based antimicrobial research in Southeast Asia while highlighting persistent geographic concentration and the need for stronger regional infrastructure, collaboration, and translational capacity.
