Question

Why do we care which serotype a patient has?

Answer 1

A serovar or a serotype is a discrete variety within a species of virus or bacteria or among the cells of the immune system of various individuals.

The immune system is proficient in differentiating a 'self' and 'non-self' cells depending on the serotype of the cell. The serotype is mainly circumscribed by HLA (human leukocyte antigen) in humans. The cells that are determined as non-self are considered as foreign by the immune system, resulting in an immune response, like hemagglutination.

Serotypes vary extensively between individuals, thus, the cells are generally determined as non-self when cells are introduced from one human or animal to another human because the self-serotype is not matched between them. A problematic immune response is observed in the recipient if transplants are carried between genetically non-identical humans that result in transplant rejection.

Therefore, the determination of the serotype of the patient is important.