RESUMO
The production of small ruminant autochthonous breeds in the Centre region of Portugal is practiced in a semi-extensive husbandry system, exposing animals to parasitic infections. The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of lungworm infection and identify risk factors. Fecal samples of 203 goats and 208 sheep from 30 herds were collected per rectum and subjected to the modified Baermann test. The overall prevalence of infection was 57.7%, significantly higher in goats (95.6%) than in sheep (20.7%) (p < 0.001). According to the binary logistic regression model, sheep dewormed with albendazole, mebendazole plus closantel, or ivermectin plus clorsulon presented a risk of Protostrongylidae infection 29.702, 7.426, or 8.720 times higher, respectively, than those dewormed with eprinomectin. Additionally, the presence of gastrointestinal parasites was investigated in 307 fecal samples using Mini-FLOTAC®. The overall prevalence of infection was 86.3%, also significantly higher in goats (93.2%) than in sheep (79.9%) (p < 0.001). Strongyle-type eggs were the most frequently identified, both in sheep (69.8%) and goats (87.8%), followed by Eimeria oocysts (40.3% in sheep and 68.9% in goats). Considering the high prevalence and the burden of lungworm parasitic infection, it is urgent to determine its economic impact and the repercussions in animal health in the Centre region of Portugal to establish appropriate therapeutic guidelines.
RESUMO
Introdubction: Stage I seminoma has a very good prognosis, yet approximately 15% have subclinical metastatic disease and will relapse after orchidectomy alone. Several management approaches have been investigated. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of real-world patients with stage I seminoma, analysing prognostic factors influencing treatment choice and oncological outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective, single institution study, with 55 patients diagnosed with clinical stage I seminoma between 2007 and 2020. Selected patients were analysed regarding three management approaches - surveillance, adjuvant radiotherapy and adjuvant carboplatin AUC7. Overall survival and progression-free survival outcomes were analysed. Predictors of treatment choice were determined, and predictors of recurrence were analysed in patients on active surveillance. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 91 months (13-165). Overall survival at 10 years was 98.2%. Stage I seminoma patients had a 1-, 3- and 10-year progression free survival of 98%, 94% and 89%, respectively. Three-year progression free survival was 92.0% for those on active surveillance (IC95%, 91.5-92.5%), 95.2% for carboplatin (IC95%, 94.8-95.6%) and 100% for those on adjuvant radiotherapy (p > 0.05). All relapses on active surveillance protocols occurred during the first 24 months. Overall, 43% of patients who underwent adjuvant treatment reported adverse effects of therapy, with higher incidence on radiotherapy group (63%). CONCLUSIONS: Stage I seminoma have excellent prognosis, high cure rates, and low treatment-associated morbidity. Active surveillance is a safe modality when applied to selected patients. Adjuvant radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin show similar results, with fewer adverse effects on chemotherapy arm.
