serotypes

Serotypes are specific variations within a microbial species, like bacteria or viruses, distinguished by differences in their surface structures, such as proteins or sugars. Think of them as different "strains" or "types" that can cause similar diseases but may vary in how they infect or respond to vaccines. For example, in bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae, different serotypes have unique surface markers, influencing their behavior and the effectiveness of vaccines designed to target them. Recognizing serotypes helps scientists develop targeted treatments and understand disease patterns more accurately.