Landscape analysis of antimicrobial resistance research in Tanzania

<p><b>Background</b>
Effective antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mitigation requires systematic mapping of existing evidence to identify gaps and guide priorities. In Tanzania, the scope, focus, and alignment of AMR research with the National Action Plan on AMR (AMR-NAP) have not been systematically assessed. We conducted a systematic landscape and bibliometric analysis of peer-reviewed AMR research conducted in Tanzania.</P>
<p><b>Methods</b>
Medline, PubMed and Web of Science were searched from inception to July 23, 2025. Eligible studies reported original AMR data from human, animal, or environmental contexts. Studies were mapped by One Health sectors, pathogen groups, and AMR-NAP objectives. Thematic patterns were examined using co-occurrence network analysis.</P>
<p><b>Findings</b>
We included 799 studies. Annual publication output increased significantly after 2004 (p < 0.0001), with AMR domain-specific change points for antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antiviral resistance in 2006, 2001, and 2012, respectively. Most studies focused on antibacterial resistance (66.3%, 530/799), followed by antiparasitic (18.8%,150/799), antiviral (13.9%, 111/799), and antifungal (1.0%, 8/799). Research was dominated by human health studies (88.5%, 707/799), with limited animal (7.0%, 56/799) and environmental (1.6%, 13/799) representation; only 2.9% (23/799) integrated more than one sector. Among 496 pathogen-specific studies, 148 taxa were reported, but research focused on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, HIV, and Plasmodium spp. Most studies aligned with the AMR-NAP objective of surveillance and research (72.1%), while stewardship, infection prevention, governance, and economic analyses were underrepresented. Funding was predominantly external (91.9%, 578/629).</P>