Objective To systematically analyze the research status, hotspots, and trends in the field of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) in 2020-2025 globally, with a focus on exploring the development strategy of scientific and technological talents, and provide data support for talent cultivation, disciplinary layout, and evidence-based decision-making in this field. Methods Web of Science Core Collection was adopted as data source, and HAI-related literatures from January 2020 to January 2025 were retrieved. Bibliometric methods were employed with tools such as VOSviewer and Bibliometrix (R4.4.0) to conduct a cluster analysis on annual publication volume, countries/regions, authors, highly cited literatures, and keywords. The distribution characteristics, collaboration modes, and adaptability to research hotspots of scientific and technological talents in this field were also sorted out. Results A total of 9 566 literatures were included in the analysis. The annual publication volume peaked in 2021 and subsequently entered a high-level platform period with over 1 800 articles per year. China and the United States formed a dual-core research pattern, with Chinese scholars dominating the list of productive authors. Highly cited literatures were predominantly published in 2020-2021, mainly focusing on the clinical characteristics and HAI risks during the early stages of the COVID -19 pandemic. Research hotspots present a dual theme of "clinical epidemiology as well as management of prevention and control" and "antimicrobial resistance mechanisms of pathogens". However, the existing talent system shows deficiency in interdisciplinary adaptability and the depth of international collaboration. Conclusion Over the past five years, global research on HAI has entered a normalized stage, and Chinese scholars play vital role in the dual-core pattern of China and the United States. From the perspective of ta-lents, it is necessary to formulate a development strategy for scientific and technological talents around research hotspots, including improving transnational collaboration mechanisms, innovating interdisciplinary training models, and establishing a dynamic adaptability evaluation system, so as to provide action guidance and policy references for talent development in this field.