[Editorial] The development of the Paediatric Virology Study Group: Ten years in the making

Almost ten years ago, in the spring of 2007, at the Wirral University Teaching Hospital in Wirral (UK), cytomegalovirus (CMV)-positive twins were treated at the local Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) (1). The management of this viral infection in both neonates required the collaboration of an extended scientific network in Merseyside and Manchester, including several experienced consultants in Neonatology, Paediatrics and Microbiology. Based on the current literature at that time, there was no relevant protocol for CMV infection in premature twins, the ganciclovir doses and the recommended duration of the treatment were not stated and the follow‑up frequency of clinical, laboratory and imaging assessment were not well defined (1). Thus, the necessity of the valuable input of a specialized consultant having clinical experience on Neonatology as well as on recent advances on Clinical Virology was highlighted by all the members of the team. Moreover, the importance of the clinical training on viral infections occurring in neonates and children became more than clear for all junior doctors and specialty trainees (STs), who were interested in pursuing a career in Paediatrics. Inspired by these twins, a group of young STs and junior researchers tried to bring together Clinical Virology with Paediatrics and created the Paediatric Virology Study Group (PVSG). The fundamental aim of the PVSG was to provide an array of research and educational activities on viral infections occurring in neonates and children dedicated to continuing medical education. The PVSG was open to scientists interested in the field of Paediatric Virology, either as basic scientists, researchers and virologists or as medical students, STs, consultant paediatricians, Paediatric Infectious Diseases (PID) physicians and allied health professionals (2).