Serotüüpide

Serotüüpide refer to the distinct serological variations within a bacterial species. These variations are typically based on differences in the surface antigens, particularly the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, or other cell surface components like flagellar (H) or somatic (O) antigens. The term "serotype" is derived from serology, the study of serum and in vitro immune responses.

Identifying serotypes is crucial in microbiology and epidemiology because different serotypes of the same bacterial species can exhibit significant differences in their virulence, pathogenicity, antibiotic resistance, and clinical manifestations. For example, certain serotypes of *Escherichia coli* are harmless commensals, while others, such as O157:H7, are highly pathogenic and can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Similarly, *Salmonella* species are classified into numerous serotypes, many of which are important human pathogens.

The classification of bacteria into serotypes is typically achieved through serological testing, which uses antibodies that are specific to particular surface antigens. When these specific antibodies are mixed with a bacterial sample, they cause agglutination (clumping) if the corresponding antigen is present on the bacterial surface. This allows for the precise identification and differentiation of bacterial strains. Understanding serotypic diversity aids in tracking disease outbreaks, developing targeted vaccines, and implementing appropriate public health interventions.