The Irish paradigm on the natural progression of hepatitis C virus infection: an investigation in a homogeneous patient population infected with HCV 1b (Review)

The aetiological agent of chronic hepatitis C is the hepatitis C virus. The hepatitis C virus is spread by parenteral transmission of body fluids, primarily blood or blood products. In 1989, after more than a decade of research, HCV was isolated and characterised. The hepatitis C viral genome is a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA molecule approximately 9.4 kb in length, which encodes a polyprotein of about 3100 amino acids. There are 6 main genotypes of HCV, each further stratified by subtype. In 1994, a cohort of women was identified in Ireland as having been iatrogenically exposed to the hepatitis C virus. The women were all young and exposed as a consequence of the receipt of HCV 1b contaminated anti-D immunoglobulin. The source of the infection was identified as an acutely infected female. As part of a voluntary serological screening programme involving 62,667 people, 704 individuals were identified as seropositive for exposure to the hepatitis C virus; 55.4% were found to be positive for the viral genome 17 years after exposure. Of these women 98% had evidence of inflammation, but suprisingly, a remarkable 49% showed no evidence of fibrosis. Clinicopathology and virological analysis has identified associations between viral load and the histological activity index for inflammation, and, between inflammation and levels of the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase. Infection at a younger age appears to protect individuals from progression to advanced liver disease. Molecular analyses of host immunogenetic elements shows that particular class II human leukocyte associated antigen alleles are associated with clearance of the hepatitis C virus. Additional class II alleles have been identified that are associated with stable viraemia over an extended period of patient follow-up. Although, investigation of large untreated homogeneous cohorts is likely to become more difficult, as the efficacy of anti-viral therapy improves, further investigation of host and viral factors that influence disease progression will help provide an evidence based approach were realistic expectations regarding patient prognosis can be ascertained.

“Syndrome in syndrome”: Wernicke syndrome due to afferent loop syndrome. Case report and review of the literature

Wernicke syndrome is a rare neurological pathology due to a deficit in vitamin B1. The syndrome is common among alcohol abusers, patients with malignant tumor or gastrointestinal diseases, those who undergo hemodialysis or long-term peritoneal dialysis, pregnant women with hyperemesis, women who breast-feed, patients with hyperthyroidism or anorexia nervosa or gastric or jejunal-ileal bypass surgery for obesity, patients submitted to gastric surgery or prolonged total parenteral nutrition or prolonged intravenous therapy. We report a case of Wernicke syndrome due to afferent loop syndrome characterized by incoercible vomiting.

Eliminaci?n de vapores de xileno presentes en una corriente de gas en un biofiltro percolador

El presente trabajo de investigaci?n evalu? la eliminaci?n de vapores de xileno presentes en una corriente de aire a trav?s de dos biofiltros percoladores (BTF?s) operados en paralelo a escala banco y alimentados en contracorriente. El primer biofiltro percolador (BTF1) fue empacado con una esponja porosa de pl?stico de poliuretano mientras que el segundo (BTF2) con anillos de pl?stico de polipropileno. Ambos BTF?s fueron inoculados con un consorcio microbiano de una industria papelera. Los BTF?s fueron operados continuamente durante 24 horas diarias con concentraciones de entrada de 0.43, 1.30, 3.04 y 5.64 gm-3 de xileno a una tasa de flujo de gas de 0.26 m3h-1 y un tiempo de residencia del gas de 90 s. Las eficiencias de eliminaci?n del BTF1 fueron 83.33; 93.94; 93.10 y 72.46% para concentraciones de entrada de 0.43, 1.30, 3.04 y 5.64 gm-3 de xileno. El BTF2 obtuvo eficiencias de eliminaci?n de 83.33; 82.69; 75.64 y 74.00% para iguales concentraciones de alimentaci?n que el BTF1. Se present? un disminuci?n del BTF2 de 11.25 y 17.46% respecto al BTF1 para concentraciones de entrada de 1.30 y 3.04 gm-3 de xileno, lo que indica que un aumento en la concentraci?n de entrada disminuye la eficiencia de eliminaci?n. Por otra parte, se observ? una m?xima capacidad de eliminaci?n de 157.35 y 154.97 gm-3h-1 en ambos BTF?s para una carga de entrada de 225.78 gm-3h-1. En cuanto a la ca?da de presi?n el BTF1 durante las dos primeras fases de operaci?n, es decir, para cargas contaminantes de 17.37 a 52.1 gm-3h-1 estuvo por encima de las del BTF2 experimentando valores de 130.75 a 533.9 Pa m-1; mientras en las dos fases restantes, es decir, para cargas contaminantes de 121.57 a 225.78 gm-3h-1 el BTF2 experiment? mayores ca?das de presi?n comparada con la del BTF1 con valores de 828.09 a 1198.55 Pa m-1; observ?ndose un taponamiento del BTF2 seguido de una disminuci?n en la eficiencia de eliminaci?n; se emple? el lavado de los platos distribuidores como estrategia para resolver este problema. El comportamiento del crecimiento de biomasa en la secci?n inferior durante las dos primeras fases de operaci?n para el BTF1 vari? de 0.015 a 0.028 gSSV/gmedio; mientras para el BTF2 vari? de 0.026 a 0.038 gSSV/gmedio; una disminuci?n del 22% en la concentraci?n de biomasa se observ? en el BTF2 a partir de la tercera fase de operaci?n en la secci?n superior, luego del lavado manual de los platos distribuidores del BTF2. Acorde con lo anterior, los resultados de las variables operacionales estudiadas, adem?s de las capacidades de eliminaci?n y las eficiencias de eliminaci?n obtenidas en el presente trabajo de investigaci?n, demuestran que los biofiltros percoladores son una tecnolog?a eficiente para el manejo de grandes vol?menes de aire (10 ? 300000 m-3h-1) con bajas concentraciones (0 ? 8.3 gm-3) (Govind 2009), econ?mica y ambientalmente limpia; que puede convertirse en uno de los mejores m?todos disponibles para el tratamiento de corrientes de aire contaminados con diversos compuestos vol?tiles, para elevar su escala a nivel industrial

Hacia un di?logo de saberes entre el conocimiento de las ciencias naturales y el conocimiento de la comunidad Nasa para la elaboraci?n y usos del vinagre

El presente trabajo de grado se ubica desde la perspectiva sociocultural, en la l?nea de investigaci?n diversidad cultural y ense?anza de las ciencias, en la cual la ense?anza juega un papel importante para propiciar espacios de encuentro dial?gico entre el conocimiento cient?fico (en nuestro caso qu?mica, biolog?a y f?sica) y el conocimiento ancestral (comunidad Nasa). Avanzar hacia un dialogo de saberes es fundamental en esta propuesta, puesto que tradicionalmente los conocimientos cient?ficos se consideran universales, lo que los hace sobrevalorados al ser ense?ados e impuestos sobre otro tipo de saberes como por ejemplo los ancestrales, lo que determina una forma de aculturaci?n1 que promueve la p?rdida de identidad (lenguaje, alimentaci?n, vestuario, salud y saberes ancestrales) y fomenta la dependencia hacia la cultura occidental (verdad, objetividad y universalidad). La anterior preocupaci?n nos permite avanzar en el estudio sobre la ense?anza de las ciencias en la Instituci?n Educativa Agropecuaria Ind?gena Quint?n Lame (I.E.A.I.Q.L) de la comunidad Nasa, ubicada en el resguardo ind?gena de Tacuey?, Municipio de Torib?o (Cauca) para identificar las dificultades de apropiaci?n del conocimiento y propiciar un dialogo de saberes que involucre el conocimiento ancestral. En nuestro caso hemos escogido el vinagre como referencia para cruzar dicho dialogo en el aula, puesto que por una parte se identific? que ?ste suele ser utilizado en la comunidad para la elaboraci?n de alimentos, remedios y productos caseros, entre otros, pero tambi?n desde la ense?anza de las ciencias naturales para identificar sus propiedades, caracter?sticas y reacciones como derivado del alcohol. Es importante resaltar que el saber cient?fico se vuelve significativo cuando trasciende su valor de verdad y les brinda herramientas tanto al maestro como al estudiante para comprender y analizar las necesidades del contexto social y cultural, permitiendo proponer alternativas de soluci?n frente situaciones de la vida cotidiana. Para lograr esto, es necesario comprender la cultura como una forma de vida, que contiene m?ltiples dimensiones e instituciones sociales que pueden ser tratadas como sistema. Desde esta mirada, el saber es entendido como un sistema cultural como lo dice Elkana, Y. (1983), de all? que podemos considerar que la ciencia es un sistema cultural que debe nutrirse o complementarse con el saber ancestral de las comunidades ind?genas para la ense?anza de la misma. Para esta investigaci?n se hizo relevante el siguiente interrogante ?C?mo promover un di?logo de saberes entre el conocimiento ancestral de la comunidad Nasa y el conocimiento cient?fico, en torno a la elaboraci?n y usos del vinagre para la ense?anza de las Ciencias Naturales? En la b?squeda de una soluci?n al problema anterior, se enfatiza en una metodolog?a de car?cter cualitativo con elementos etnogr?ficos, para hacer un reconocimiento del contexto educativo y cultural de la comunidad Nasa y caracterizar el problema educativo que se plantea, mediante la sistematizaci?n de entrevistas realizadas a comuneros del resguardo, a la rectora de la I.E.A.I.Q.L, el dise?o y la aplicaci?n de encuestas a algunos estudiantes de la instituci?n educativa en menci?n. En el an?lisis de la informaci?n obtenida, se pone en evidencia la p?rdida de identidad cultural en la comunidad Nasa desde la ense?anza que tradicionalmente se imparte en dicha instituci?n; en cuanto a saberes propios que hacen referencia la elaboraci?n y usos del vinagre, situaci?n que refleja claramente procesos de aculturaci?n en los que la escuela y sus m?todos de ense?anza han jugado y juegan un papel trascendental. Los resultados encontrados se sistematizan y se realiza un paralelo para asociar el conocimiento de la comunidad Nasa y de las ciencias naturales (qu?mica, biolog?a, f?sica), creando puentes dial?gicos, que los explicamos con detalle en el desarrollo de la tesis, en torno a los procesos de elaboraci?n y usos del vinagre. As? mismo se pretende aportar elementos de reflexi?n para futuras propuestas de ense?anza de las ciencias naturales donde se aborden aspectos fundamentales desde la qu?mica, la biolog?a y la f?sica. En conclusi?n, es importante que los ni?os y ni?as aprendan a reconocer e interpretar la cultura como un hibrido: la ancestral y la cient?fica, pues esta es la manera de construir resistencia, de persistir y pervivir dentro de un mundo "globalizado" que desconoce las diferencias, que no acepta la importancia de los saberes propios de las culturas minoritarias, donde siempre se ha ense?ado y se ense?a el conocimiento cient?fico como hegem?nico y universal, situaci?n que cada d?a aleja m?s al hombre de una relaci?n arm?nica con su entorno. De ah? la necesidad de entablar relaciones dial?gicas entre el conocimiento cient?fico y el conocimiento ancestral.

New clinical practice guideline on enteral feeding in very low birth weight infants: first part

Introduction: The nutrition of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is aimed at promoting a similar growth to that occurring in the uterus. However, in practice this is difficult to achieve and extrauterine growth restriction is frequent. The current tendency is to avoid this restriction by means of early parenteral and enteral nutrition. Nonetheless, uncertainty about many of the practices related with nutrition has resulted in a great variation in the way it is undertaken. In 2009 and 2011 in our hospital there was an unexpected increase in necrotizing enterocolitis. To check to see whether our nutrition policy was involved, we undertook a systematic review and drew up clinical practice guidelines (CPG) about enteral feeding in VLBW infants. New considerations about the duration of the fortification and the use of probiotics have led to an update of these CPG. Methods: A total of 21 clinical questions were designed dealing with the type of milk, starting age, mode of administration, rate and volume of the increments, fortification, use of probiotics and protocol. After conducting a systematic search of the available evidence, the information was contrasted and summarized in order to draw up the recommendations. The quality of the evidence and the strength of the recommendations were determined from the SIGN scale Comment: These CPG aim to help physicians in their decision making. The protocolized application of well-proven measurements reduces the variation in clinical practice and improves results.

New clinical practice guideline on enteral feeding in very low birth weight infants: second part

Introduction: The nutrition of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is aimed at promoting a similar growth to that occurring in the uterus. However, in practice this is difficult to achieve and extrauterine growth restriction is frequent. The current tendency is to avoid this restriction by means of early parenteral and enteral nutrition. Nonetheless, uncertainty about many of the practices related with nutrition has resulted in a great variation in the way it is undertaken. In 2009 and 2011 in our hospital there was an unexpected increase in necrotizing enterocolitis. To check to see wether our nutrition policy was involved, we underlook a systematic review and drewup clinical practice guidelines (CPG) about enteral feeding in VLBW infants. New considerations about the duration of the fortification and the use of probiotics have led to an update of these CPG. Methods: A total of 21 clinical questions were designed dealing with the type of milk, starting age, mode of administration, rate and volume of the increments, fortification, use of probiotics and protocol. Afete conducting a systematic search of the available evidence, the information was contrasted and summarized in order to draw up the recommendations. The quality of the evidence and the strength of the recommendations were determined from the SIGN scale. Comment: These CPG aim to help physicians in their decision making. The protocolized application of well-proven measurements reduces the variation in clinical practice and improves results.

Incidencia de la ley 1098 de 2006 (c?digo de la infancia y adolescencia) en las pr?cticas de los docentes de preescolar de escuela p?blica de la comuna 18 de Santiago de Cali

A trav?s de un proceso hist?rico en favor de la ni?ez colombiana, se ha logrado consolidar la ley 1098 de 2006 (c?digo de la infancia y adolescencia) como una pol?tica p?blica, la cual representa el conjunto de acciones desarrolladas por el Estado Colombiano a trav?s de instituciones p?blicas y privadas para llegar a las necesidades de los ni?os y ni?as de los sectores sociales m?s vulnerables. Ya que en la primera infancia es muy importante que los ni?os y ni?as reciban la adecuada alimentaci?n y cuidados para garantizar su sano desarrollo infantil. En este sentido, se busca indagar si el conocimiento de la ley de la primera infancia por parte de los docentes de preescolar de una escuela p?blica de la comuna 18 de la ciudad de Santiago de Cali, ha logrado incidir en sus pr?cticas docentes.

Estrategias para la prevenci?n de enfermedades cr?nicas no transmisibles y los pasos previos al inicio de un programa de actividad f?sica

En este trabajo, se indicar? en primer lugar la incidencia de las principales enfermedades cr?nicas no transmisibles que aquejan a la poblaci?n colombiana. Asimismo, se abordar?n los factores de riesgo, como el tabaquismo, la alimentaci?n poco saludable, inactividad f?sica y uso nocivo del alcohol, con el fin de hacer ?nfasis en las causas comunes y destacar las posibilidades de sinergias en las esferas de prevenci?n y control de las ECNT. Asimismo, se describir?n las caracter?sticas de un programa de promoci?n de h?bitos de vida saludables, en los que se incluir?n aspectos como higiene del sue?o, hidrataci?n y alimentaci?n saludable y actividad f?sica, como componentes de la prevenci?n de las enfermedades cr?nicas no transmisibles; pues de acuerdo al informe de la Organizaci?n Mundial de la Salud (Organizaci?n Mundial de la Salud, 2008), los programas de promoci?n de la salud, destinados a luchar contra el sedentarismo y los h?bitos de alimentaci?n poco saludables, resultan efectivos para mejorar los resultados relacionados con la salud, como los factores de riesgo de la obesidad, la diabetes y las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Finalmente, se establecer?n los pasos que se deben tener en cuenta al momento de iniciar un programa de actividad f?sica, como orientaci?n para aquellas personas que decidan combatir un factor de riesgo a partir de un programa de este tipo.

Malignant Otitis Externa and Stroke

Malignant otitis externa (MOE) is an aggressive but benign entity which evolves into skull base osteomyelitis. An 81-year-old female patient was admitted for left hemiparesis and homonymous hemianopia. She complained of headache radiating to the right cervical area. A recent history of recurrent otitis media was present. Head and neck imaging showed an ischemic infarction (right temporo-occipital) and a parapharyngeal soft tissue mass originating in an external and medial ear infection. Culture samples revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection leading to the diagnosis of Malignant otitis externa (MOE). Parenteral antibacterial therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy resulted in improvement.

Surgical infection and malnutrition

Background: Malnutrition in surgical patients is associated with delayed recovery, higher rates of morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospital stay, increased healthcare costs and a higher early re-admission rate. Methods: Data synthesis after review of pertinent literature. Results: The aetiology of malnutrition is multifactorial. In cancer patients, there is an abnormal peripheral glucose disposal, gluconeogenesis, and whole-body glucose turnover. Malnourished cancer patients undergoing major operations are at significant risk from perioperative complications such as infectious complications. Surgical aggression generates an inflammatory response which worsens intermediary metabolism. Conclusions: Nutritional evaluation and nutritional support must be performed in all surgical patients, in order to minimize infectious complications. Enteral nutrition early in the postoperative period is effective and well tolerated reducing infectious complications, improving wound healing and reducing length of hospital stay. Pharmaconutrition is indicated in those patients, who benefit from enteral administration of arginine, omega 3 and RNA, as well as parenteral glutamine supplementation. When proximal sutures are used, tubes allowing early jejunal feeding should be used.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV infection: a new prevention paradigm?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis" (PrEP) has been recently developed as a prevention strategy which involves the administration of drugs to non-infected individuals who present high exposure or susceptibility to HIV. Although this use is not approved in our country, several guidelines recommend PrEP as a prevention option in adult MSM, heterosexual men and women, and users of parenteral drugs at risk of acquiring the infection. This article presents the characteristics that an ideal agent to be used as PrEP should meet, recent efficacy published data and barriers for the implementation of this new strategy. On the other hand, the role of hospital pharmacists will be discussed.

Critical energy deficit and mortality in critically ill patients

Objective: We investigate the influence of caloric and protein deficit on mortality and length of hospital stay of critically ill patients. Methods: A cohort prospective study including 100 consecutive patients in a tertiary intensive care unit (ICU) receiving enteral or parenteral nutrition. The daily caloric and protein deficit were collected each day for a maximum of 30 days. Energy deficits were divided into critical caloric deficit (≥ 480 kcal/day) and non-critical caloric deficit (≤ 480 kcal/day); and in critical protein deficit (≥ 20 g/day) and non-critical protein deficit (≤ 20 g/day). The findings were correlated with hospital stay and mortality. Results: The mortality rate was 33%. Overall, the patients received 65.4% and 67.7% of the caloric and protein needs. Critical caloric deficit was found in 72% of cases and critical protein deficit in 70% of them. There was a significant correlation between length of stay and accumulated caloric deficit (R = 0.37; p < 0.001) and protein deficit (R = 0.28; p < 0.001). The survival analysis showed that mortality was greater in patients with both critical caloric (p < 0.001) and critical protein deficits (p < 0.01). The Cox regression analysis showed that critical protein deficit was associated with higher mortality (HR 0.25, 95% CI 0.07-0.93, p = 0.03). Conclusions: The incidence of caloric and protein deficit in the ICU is high. Both caloric and protein deficits increase the length of hospital stay, and protein deficit greater than 20 g/day is an independent factor for mortality in critical care unit.

Diseño de un vector no viral basado en nanopartículas lipídicas para el tratamiento de la hepatitis C mediante ARN de interferencia

199 p.

First evidence of Schmallenberg virus introduction in Portugal, 2014

Objectives: Serra da Estrela native (SEN) breed of sheep is one of the most important in Portugal, standing responsible for the production of one of the most internationally recognized cheeses in the world, "Queijo Serra da Estrela” (protected designation of origin). One of the major risks to the sustainability of SEN dairy flocks if footrot, an infectious diseases that causes lameness, decrease in milk production, weight loss and decrease in fertility. The aim of this work was to determine which parameters become decisive for the appearance of footrot in SEN dairy flocks, while establishing associations with environmental and nutritional variables. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out by performing an especially designed 27 multiple choice questionnaire, based on the underlying causes of lameness in livestock and in the clinical diagnosis performed by the vet techinichian of the clinical cases evaluated at the moment of the inquiry. The survey was performed during the execution of the oficial veterinary health program between February and September of 2014 by a veterinarian team from the Association of SEN Sheep Breeders (ANCOSE). The ovine producers (N=30, with a total of 1270 animals) were randomly selected from the extense area of production of “Queijo Serra da Estrela”. The parameters evaluated in the study were: season and consequent weather changes during the period of the study, floor types, hygiene conditions, bed types, the existence and use of footbaths, location of footbaths, foot trimming and foot hygiene procedures. After the construction of the database and using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16.0 the frequency response for each item was calculated. Results: All SEN livestock producers are proactive in the treatment of lameness (70%). About 99.7% of lameness was related with footroot and most appeared in winter (36.7%). In some occasions there was not a specific season distribution (56.7% rainiest years). From the analyzed farms, 70% use straw as a floor bed, followed by bush (21%). 45.6% of animals were clinically diagnosed with footrot and were sheltered in straw floor. Bed quality is good in 40%, however frequent changes in the floor bed in the preceding 15 days had a higher rate of footroot diagnosed cases (33,23%) compared to monthly changes. Regarding sheepfold animal number, the distribution is proper in 36.7%, elevated in 30%, overcrowded in 6.7% and low in 23.3%. Clinically ill diagnosed animals in last category were the lowest observed (3%). Concerning hoof trimming, 76.7% trims while 23.3% reported not to perform that task. From those that perform trimming, 73.9% do it only when necessary, 21.7% at the time of clipping and 4.4% when the animal is affected. One curious result was that animals who perform trimming at clipping had higher footrot cases (52.6%), unlike those who trim only when necessary (40.2%) or even when animals are clinically ill (0.91%). Mostly all in the presence of footrot choose a local treatment (95.2%) using antibiotic sprays, instead of parenteral antibiotic treatment. Footbath is rarely used in the prevention (13.3%) of this disease and when it is misconceived (25%) and incorrectly formulated (100%). Conclusions: This study was the first performed in Portugal focusing footrot caracterization in native SEN flocks.Economic impact in SEN dairy flocks is atributed to factors such as direct decrease in milk and meat production,early slaughter of affected animals due to non responsive treatment and medical expenses.The most effective eradication method combines first of all the ability to understand the problems of SEN producers and implementation of preventive measures and treatment of footrot.Often linked to lack of formation, the advance age of portuguese producers the mentality and social factors block the advance of veterinarian intervention itself.

Footrot caracterization in serra da estrela native flocks

Objectives: Serra da Estrela native (SEN) breed of sheep is one of the most important in Portugal, standing responsible for the production of one of the most internationally recognized cheeses in the world, "Queijo Serra da Estrela” (protected designation of origin). One of the major risks to the sustainability of SEN dairy flocks if footrot, an infectious diseases that causes lameness, decrease in milk production, weight loss and decrease in fertility.The aim of this work was to determine which parameters become decisive for the appearance of footrot in SEN dairy flocks, while establishing associations with environmental and nutritional variables. Materials and methods: The present study was carried out by performing an especially designed 27 multiple choice questionnaire, based on the underlying causes of lameness in livestock and in the clinical diagnosis performed by the vet techinichian of the clinical cases evaluated at the moment of the inquiry. The survey was performed during the execution of the oficial veterinary health program between February and September of 2014 by a veterinarian team from the Association of SEN Sheep Breeders (ANCOSE). The ovine producers (N=30, with a total of 1270 animals) were randomly selected from the extense area of production of “Queijo Serra da Estrela”. The parameters evaluated in the study were: season and consequent weather changes during the period of the study, floor types, hygiene conditions, bed types, the existence and use of footbaths, location of footbaths, foot trimming and foot hygiene procedures. After the construction of the database and using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16.0 the frequency response for each item was calculated. Results: All SEN livestock producers are proactive in the treatment of lameness (70%). About 99.7% of lameness was related with footroot and most appeared in winter (36.7%). In some occasions there was not a specific season distribution (56.7% rainiest years). From the analyzed farms, 70% use straw as a floor bed, followed by bush (21%). 45.6% of animals were clinically diagnosed with footrot and were sheltered in straw floor. Bed quality is good in 40%, however frequent changes in the floor bed in the preceding 15 days had a higher rate of footroot diagnosed cases (33,23%) compared to monthly changes. Regarding sheepfold animal number, the distribution is proper in 36.7%, elevated in 30%, overcrowded in 6.7% and low in 23.3%. Clinically ill diagnosed animals in last category were the lowest observed (3%). Concerning hoof trimming, 76.7% trims while 23.3% reported not to perform that task. From those that perform trimming, 73.9% do it only when necessary, 21.7% at the time of clipping and 4.4% when the animal is affected. One curious result was that animals who perform trimming at clipping had higher footrot cases (52.6%), unlike those who trim only when necessary (40.2%) or even when animals are clinically ill (0.91%). Mostly all in the presence of footrot choose a local treatment (95.2%) using antibiotic sprays, instead of parenteral antibiotic treatment. Footbath is rarely used in the prevention (13.3%) of this disease and when it is misconceived (25%) and incorrectly formulated (100%). Conclusion: This study is the first performed in Portugal focusing on footrot caracterization in native SEN flocks. The economic impact in SEN dairy flocks is atributed to factors such as the direct decrease in milk and meat production, the early slaughter of affected animals due to a non responsive treatment, and medical expenses. The most effective eradication method combines first of all the ability to understand the problems of SEN producers and then the implementation of preventive measures and treatment of footrot. Often linked to the lack of formation, and the advanced age of portuguese producers, the mentality and social factors block the advance of veterinarian intervention itself.