Global bibliometric analysis reveals sustained upward trend in parasite EV research from 2015 to 2025

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Frontiers in Medicine Published June 4, 2026 Medically reviewed June 4, 2026 DOI ↗ By Dr. Amelia Tan, PhD · Internal Medicine & Chronic Disease

Key Takeaway

Note sustained upward trend in parasite EV research from 2015 to 2025.

This bibliometric analysis examined 365 original research articles published between 2015 and 2025. The scope covers extracellular vesicles derived from protozoan and trematode parasites across global settings including China, the United States, Brazil, Spain, and Australia. No specific clinical outcomes or safety data were reported as this is a review of publication trends rather than a clinical trial.

The analysis found a sustained upward trend in global publication output. International collaboration network centrality was highest in Spain. Three predominant research domains were identified: protozoan parasites, trematode parasites, and cellular or molecular mechanisms of immunomodulation. The research focus has shifted from morphological description and cargo cataloguing toward mechanistic dissection of host–parasite crosstalk. Sustained citation bursts occurred for methodological standardization guidelines.

The authors note relatively sparse network density as a limitation. Funding or conflicts of interest were not reported. This review provides robust evidence for future priority setting, international collaboration, and resource allocation in the field of parasitic extracellular vesicles.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedJun 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from parasites have emerged as a critical frontier for understanding pathogenic mechanisms and developing novel control strategies. This bibliometric analysis systematically examines 365 original research articles published between 2015 and 2025 using CiteSpace to map the intellectual structure, collaborative networks, and evolving research hotspots of this field. Global publication output exhibits a sustained upward trend, with China, the United States, Brazil, Spain, and Australia as the leading contributors. Notably, Spain demonstrates the highest centrality in international collaboration networks, functioning as a key hub. Author co-authorship analysis reveals a relatively sparse network density, with Ana Claudia Torrecilhas, Alex Loukas, and Antonio Marcilla among the most prolific contributors. Keyword clustering using the log-likelihood ratio algorithm identifies three predominant research domains: protozoan parasites (encompassing Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, Leishmania, and Toxoplasma), trematode parasites (including Schistosoma and Fasciola), and cellular/molecular mechanisms of immunomodulation. Timeline analysis documents a decisive paradigm shift from morphological description and cargo cataloguing toward mechanistic dissection of host–parasite crosstalk, with increasing emphasis on translational applications in diagnostics, vaccine development, and drug delivery. Burst detection analysis reveals sustained citation bursts for methodological standardization guidelines, reflecting the community’s recognition of persistent challenges in EV isolation and characterization. This technology-driven, interdisciplinary field provides robust evidence for future priority setting, international collaboration, and resource allocation.