Sensitivity pattern of bacterial isolates in childhood sepsis in clinical practice at Onitsha

To determine the commonest organism cultured from the blood of children suspected to have bacterial sepsis and their antibiogram sensitivity using the commonly used antibiotics in a private practice and see if there are differences from established data from other areas. Children beyond neonatal age presenting to a children's specialist hospital in south east Nigeria over a 2 year periodwith fever and other features of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) thought to be due to bacterial infection (but without focal point of infection) had their blood cultures done.Areview of their case notes and an analysis of their blood culture and antibiogramsensitivity resultswas done. Fourteen cases fitted the criteria and were analysed. was the commonest organism and of the profiled antibiogram the sensitivity pattern showed that ciproxin, gentamycin, chloramphenicol and erythromycinwere the best. Staphylococcus aureus is still a major cause of childhood bacterial sepsis. Gentamycin and erythromycin are safe and useful antibiotics in their treatment and are recommended.Keywords: childhood sepsis, bacteria, sensitivity

Permanence, Temporality and the Rhythms of Life : Exploring Significance of the Village Arena in Igbo Culture

The village arena (or ‘square’ or ‘Otobo’ in Nsukka Igbo) is at the physical and socio-cultural centre of Igbo life, in southeast Nigeria. It is a space where intangible Igbo cultural heritage is played out, and also serves as a virtual museum where heritage materials are kept. The arena performs its roles in two very different ways: as a sacred space hosting initiation rites and religious rituals; and as a profane space for meetings and ceremonies. Either way, these uses see the arena transition between permanency and temporality, following routines and rhythms which themselves give the practices meaning and significance, and contribute to their inscription on the landscape. This paper explores the complexities associated with these village arenas with a particular focus on their socio-cultural, political, economic and religious functions through time, as well as the way those complexities are manifest in material cultures that serve to characterize the village arena