OBJECTIVE By conducting evidence evaluation research on literatures, this study aims to reveal the overall characteristics and research hotspots in the field of combat trauma-related infections, ultimately providing data support for the prevention and control of such infections.

METHODS Relevant research in this field was systematically collected from open-source databases to construct a dataset. The overall characteristics, research hotspots, prevention and control strategies, and future challenges of trauma-related infections were summarized and analyzed.

RESULTS From 2004 to 2024, 184 papers were published. The United States contributed the most publications, with Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences being the most productive research institution and Professor Clinton K. Murray as the author with the highest number of publications. The top five keywords with the highest frequency were combat related injury, infection, Acinetobacter baumannii, epidemiology and management. Among the publicly published literature data on war trauma-related infections, blast injuries accounted for the largest proportion, mainly multi-site injuries, with limb injuries being the most common. Bacterial infections were more common than fungal infections, with gram-negative bacteria being predominant and A. baumannii being the most common. Besides early wound management and the use of antibacterial drugs, increased attention should be paid to infection prevention and control in austere environments and the development of novel countermeasures. These advancements are critical to address projected changes in combat trauma, including increasingly complex injuries and substantially elevated risks of infection and antimicrobial resistance.

CONCLUSION This study systematically presents research hotspots, developmental trends, and prospects in combat trauma-related infections through evidence evaluation study, providing novel perspectives for researchers and facilitating further development in this field.