Basic Info

Serotype prediction based on their surface antigens, such as O, H, and K antigens.

More Details

The serotype represents the genetic markers displayed by proteins in blood plasma. Due to the genetic polymorphism of some serum proteins, phenotypic differences arise among individuals. Therefore, serotyping has become an important classification method, especially for many foodborne microorganisms such as Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. This method is also widely used in epidemiological investigations. By determining the serotype of bacteria, we can provide a solid basis for antimicrobial therapy. Specifically, through in-depth analysis of the characteristics of bacterial somatic cells, such as the O antigen, cell surface proteins, H antigen, and K antigen, we can accurately classify bacteria based on their serotypes.

What's New

Haemophilus Influenzae (H. influenzae) can be divided based on polysaccharide capsule production into encapsulated and nonencapsulated strains. Nonencapsulated strains are designated as non-typeable H. influenzae (NTHi), while encapsulated strains can be further categorized into six serotypes (serotypes a to f) based on their distinct capsular antigens. This serological classification correlates with genetic variations in the cap locus, which contains three functionally distinct regions: region I (bexABCD) and region III (hcsAB) are associated with transport and post-translation modification. Region II genes encode serotype specific proteins, with each serotype (a-f) having a distinct set of genes. cap loci are often subject to structural changes (e.g. duplication, deletion) making the process of in silico typing and characterisation of loci difficult.

Hicap is a software designed to identify cap locus serotype and structure within H. influenzae assemblies.It can automates identification of the cap locus, describes the structural layout, and performs in silico serotyping.

Additional Information

Related links:

https://github.com/scwatts/hicap.git

Literature

Watts SC, Holt KE. hicap: In Silico Serotyping of the Haemophilus influenzae Capsule Locus. J Clin Microbiol. 2019;57(6):e00190-19. Published 2019 May 24. doi:10.1128/JCM.00190-19

Pittman M. VARIATION AND TYPE SPECIFICITY IN THE BACTERIAL SPECIES HEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE. J Exp Med. 1931;53(4):471-492. doi:10.1084/jem.53.4.471