serotype

American  

[seer-uh-tahyp, ser-] / ˈsɪər əˌtaɪp, ˈsɛr- /

noun

1. a group of organisms, microorganisms, or cells distinguished by their shared specific antigens as determined by serologic testing.

2. the set of antigens that characterizes the group.

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verb (used with object)

serotyped, serotyping

1. to classify by serotype.

serotype British  

/ ˈsɪərəʊˌtaɪp /

noun

1. med a category into which material, usually a bacterium, is placed based on its serological activity, esp in terms of the antigens it contains or the antibodies produced against it

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Etymology

Origin of serotype

First recorded in 1945–50; sero- + -type

Example Sentences

“It is just a new serotype where the N1 segment is replaced by N9,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2025

Of the three types of wild poliovirus — serotypes 1, 2, and 3 — serotype 1 is the most virulent and the most likely to cause paralysis.

From Salon • Sep. 20, 2022

Wild poliovirus serotype 1, the most virulent form, remains endemic only in Pakistan and Afghanistan, but vaccine-derived polioviruses continue to circulate in some countries in Africa and other parts of the world.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 19, 2022

Most E. coli are not particularly dangerous to humans, but serotype O157:H7 can cause bloody diarrhea and is potentially fatal.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Each new serotype added to the mix costs a significant amount of money and adds complexity to the formula, he says.

From Scientific American • Sep. 4, 2018