serotyping
/ˈsɪrəˌtaɪpɪŋ/
noun
- The process of classifying bacteria or other microorganisms into groups based on the antigens (substances that trigger an immune response) on their surface.
- Researchers rely on serotyping to track how different strains of a virus spread through a population.
- Serotyping helps doctors choose the right vaccine for a bacterial infection.
- The lab used serotyping to identify the specific strain of Salmonella in the food sample.