Paediatric infectious diseases: The last 50 years

Abstract

Many advances and challenges have occurred in the field of paediatric infectious diseases during the past 50 years. It is impossible to cover all of these in a short review, but a few highlights and lowlights will be covered. These include virtual disappearance of some infectious diseases, emergence of new ones, infections in the immunocompromised, antimicrobial resistance, development of new and improved antimicrobials, improved diagnostic tests and the Human Microbiome Project.

Current views and advances on Paediatric Virology: An update for paediatric trainees

“…The history of paediatric infectious diseases closely parallels the history of Paediatrics, as infections remain the major causes of childhood morbidity and mortality ( 1 , 2 ). Viral paediatric infectious diseases are characterised by a great heterogeneity of clinical manifestations due to the unique characteristics of the neonatal period and childhood.…”

“…To date, paediatric infectious diseases professionals have achieved a distinct role within the scientific field of Paediatrics and their contribution to tertiary paediatric care is valued ( 2 ). Their current clinical and research aims are to resolve important public health issues in both developed and developing countries.…”

Paediatric Virology and its interaction between basic science and clinical practice (Review)

“…Viral neonatal and paediatric infections are characterised by a great heterogeneity of clinical manifestations and are considered as major causes of neonatal and paediatric morbidity and mortality ( 1 ). Almost 50 years ago, Paediatric Virology was not considered an isolated discipline and was included in the Paediatric Infectious Diseases section of the scientific field of Paediatrics ( 2 , 3 ). However, during the past two decades, new advances in the field of Clinical Virology and Molecular Medicine have expanded the level of knowledge on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of viral infections occurring in infancy and childhood ( 4 , 5 ).…”

Paediatric Virology: A new paediatric subspecialty? A proposal at the Workshop on Paediatric Virology, Athens, October 10, 2015

“…The paediatric infectious diseases subspeciality is one of the first subspecialities, which has been included in the paediatric training programmes in several countries, worldwide ( 2 ). To date, paediatric infectious diseases professionals have achieved a distinct role within the scientific field of Paediatrics and their contribution to tertiary paediatric care is considered invaluable ( 3 , 4 ). However, over the past decade, scientific advances on the field of Clinical Virology and Molecular Medicine have led to changes in current clinical practice as regards the management and treatment of neonates and children with viral infections.…”