Serogrupp

Serogrupp is a term used in microbiology and immunology to classify bacteria based on shared antigens on their surface. These antigens, often polysaccharides or proteins, are located on the cell wall, capsule, or flagella of the bacterium. The concept of serogroups was developed by August von Wassermann and later refined by others, notably George K. Hirst in the context of influenza viruses and later applied extensively to bacteria by Rebecca Lancefield with streptococci.

Different serogroups within the same bacterial species can exhibit distinct pathogenic properties, virulence factors, and even responses to antibiotics. For example, the bacterium Escherichia coli can be divided into numerous serogroups, some of which are harmless commensals found in the gut, while others, like O157:H7, are notorious for causing severe foodborne illness. Similarly, Streptococcus pneumoniae is classified into over 90 serotypes, with specific serotypes being more frequently associated with invasive diseases like pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia.

The identification of serogroups is typically achieved through serological tests, which involve mixing bacterial samples with specific antibodies. If the antibodies bind to the bacterial antigens, agglutination or other visible reactions occur, indicating the presence of a particular serogroup. This classification is crucial for epidemiological surveillance, outbreak investigation, and the development of targeted vaccines and diagnostic tools. Understanding serogroup distribution helps public health officials track the spread of infectious diseases and monitor changes in bacterial populations.