serovar

A serovar, or serotype, is a distinct group of microorganisms, such as bacteria, that share a common set of antigens. These antigens are specific molecules on the cell surface that can be detected by antibodies. Serology is the medical science that studies these immune reactions in blood serum, often involving tests to identify specific antibodies.123

Different serovars within the same bacterial species can cause different diseases or inhabit different hosts. This variation is often due to differences in molecules like lipopolysaccharides, flagella, or capsules. While advancements in sanitation, vaccines, and antibiotics have reduced deaths from bacterial diseases, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains poses a continuing challenge.24