Serign J. Ceesay

Bio: Serign J. Ceesay is an academic researcher from Medical Research Council. The author has contributed to research in topics: Malaria & Population. The author has an hindex of 18, co-authored 23 publications receiving 2091 citations. Previous affiliations of Serign J. Ceesay include Center for Excellence in Education.

Newborns Develop a Th1-Type Immune Response to Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccination

Abstract: Data obtained in animals indicate that neonatal immune responses are biased toward Th2. This could reduce the efficacy of vaccines against viral and mycobacterial diseases. The ability of human newborns to develop a Th1 immune response upon immunization has not been studied. Since the vaccine Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) triggers a Th1-type response in adults, we investigated whether it induces a similar response in newborns and whether age at vaccination influences immunogenicity. We found that BCG vaccination at birth induces a memory Th1-type response of similar magnitude to that when given later in life. This study demonstrates that human newborns can be immunized against pathogens controlled by a Th1 immune response.

A Trial Of A Group A Plus Group C Meningococcal Polysaccharide-Protein

Abstract: The safety and immunogenicity of a group A plus group C meningococcal polysaccharide-CRM 197 conjugate vaccine was evaluated in 304 8- to 10-week-old Gambian infants. Infants were immunized with one, two, or three doses of conjugate vaccine or with two doses of a meningococcal A plus C polysaccharide vaccine. The conjugate vaccine produced few systemic side effects, and local reactions were similar to those produced by the polysaccharide vaccine. Postvaccination group A meningococcal polysaccharide antibody levels, measured by ELISA, increased progressively after one, two, or three doses of conjugate vaccine. However, one dose ofconjugate vaccine given at the age of 6 months induced a higher group C meningococcal antibody response than did two doses of conjugate vaccine given at 2 and 6 months. Two doses of conjugate vaccine induced higher levels of antibody than did two doses of polysaccharide vaccine. Thus, this new meningococcal conjugate vaccine proved to be safe and immunogenic

Continued decline of malaria in The Gambia with implications for elimination.

Abstract: A substantial decline in malaria was reported to have occurred over several years until 2007 in the western part of The Gambia, encouraging consideration of future elimination in this previously highly endemic region. Scale up of interventions has since increased with support from the Global Fund and other donors.

Efficacy of a Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine against Acute Otitis Media

Abstract: Background Ear infections are a common cause of illness during the first two years of life. New conjugate vaccines may be able to prevent a substantial portion of cases of acute otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Methods We enrolled 1662 infants in a randomized, double-blind efficacy trial of a heptavalent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine in which the carrier protein is the nontoxic diphtheria-toxin analogue CRM197. The children received either the study vaccine or a hepatitis B vaccine as a control at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of age. The clinical diagnosis of acute otitis media was based on predefined criteria, and the bacteriologic diagnosis was based on a culture of middle-ear fluid obtained by myringotomy. Results Of the children who were enrolled, 95.1 percent completed the trial. With the pneumococcal vaccine, there were more local reactions than with the hepatitis B vaccine but fewer than with the combined whole-cell diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis and Haemophilus influenzae t...

Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

Abstract: These revised recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices concerning prevention of plague update previous recommendations (MMWR 1982;31:301-4). This report includes information and recommendations on vaccination, public health practices, and medical treatment to prevent plague among humans.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Abstract: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is a genetic disorder that occurs almost exclusively in males. This condition mainly affects red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. In affected individuals, a defect in an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase causes red blood cells to break down prematurely. This destruction of red blood cells is called hemolysis.

Neonatal adaptive immunity comes of age

Abstract: The past decade has brought great strides in our understanding of adaptive immunity in neonatal mice. Although poor immune responses are commonly observed, it is now clear that mature function can be achieved by all arms of the adaptive immune system. An ever-increasing body of evidence indicates that the neonatal period of life is a unique developmental stage in which responses are highly plastic and dependent on the conditions of antigen exposure. This review focuses on our new understanding in mice and, where it is clear that related phenomena occur, in humans.