serotype

[ seer-uh-tahyp, ser- ]

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.

verb (used with object)

, se·ro·typed, se·ro·typ·ing.

1. to classify by serotype.

serotype

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of serotype¹

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

Example Sentences

The World Health Organization declared North and South America polio-free as of 1994, but in June 2022, a young adult living in Rockland County, New York, was diagnosed with serotype 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus.

From Salon

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

A: The World Health Organization declared North and South America polio-free as of 1994, but in June 2022, a young adult living in Rockland County, New York, was diagnosed with serotype 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus.

From Seattle Times

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

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 Seattle Times