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

The earliest typing scheme developed for the meningococcus was based on agglutination reactions against the polysaccharide capsule using immune rabbit serum. On this basis, thirteen serogroups were defined (A, B, C, D, E, H, I, K, L, W, X, Y, and Z), the majority of disease is caused by organisms expressing one of six capsule types namely A, B, C, W, X, and Y.

Additional Information

NA

Literature

Feldman C, Anderson R. Meningococcal pneumonia: a review. Pneumonia (Nathan). 2019;11:3. Published 2019 Aug 25. doi:10.1186/s41479-019-0062-0

Zhu H, Wang Q, Wen L, et al. Development of a multiplex PCR assay for detection and genogrouping of Neisseria meningitidis. J Clin Microbiol. 2012;50(1):46-51. doi:10.1128/JCM.00918-11