Serovar
Serovar
Serovar (pronunciation: /ˈsɪərəvɑːr/), also known as serotype, is a term used in microbiology to distinguish variations within a species of bacteria or viruses. The term is a combination of "serum" and "variety", indicating the use of serum samples to differentiate between these variations.
Etymology
The term "serovar" is derived from the words "serum" and "variety". "Serum" is a term used in biology to refer to the clear liquid that separates from the blood when it clots, and "variety" refers to the different forms or types within a species. The term was first used in the early 20th century to describe the different types of bacteria that could be identified using serum samples.
Related Terms
- Serology: The scientific study of serum and other bodily fluids, especially in relation to immune responses and the identification of antibodies.
- Antigen: A substance that induces an immune response, especially the production of antibodies.
- Pathogen: A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
- Microbiology: The study of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Usage
Serovars are identified by the differences in the antigens on their cell surfaces. These differences can be detected using serological methods, which involve the use of serum samples to identify the presence of specific antibodies. The identification of serovars is important in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, as different serovars can cause different types of diseases.
For example, the bacterium Salmonella enterica has over 2,500 serovars, including S. enterica serovar Typhi, which causes typhoid fever, and S. enterica serovar Enteritidis, which causes gastroenteritis.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Serovar
- Wikipedia's article - Serovar
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