Definition of "serotype" [serotype]

• A group of closely related microorganisms distinguished by a characteristic set of antigens. (noun)
• To classify according to serotype; assign to a particular serotype. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Specifically, they found a type strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria known as serotype 19A in the children's ear fluid."
• "The two studies-one from Massachusetts and one from Texas-find that the most common cause of invasive pneumococcal infections is now a strain called serotype 19A, which is not prevented by the current pneumococcal vaccine."
• "American researchers found that the most common cause of invasive pneumococcal infections is now a strain called serotype 19A, which is not covered by the PCV7 vaccine."