serovar, n. Microbiol.
Brit. /ˈsɪərəvɑː/, /ˈsɛrə(ʊ)vɑː/, U.S. /ˈsɪrəˌvɑr/, /ˈsɛrəˌvɑr/
[‹ sero- comb. form + -var (in variety n.), after cultivar n.. Compare pathovar n.]
An antigenically distinct strain of a microorganism; = serotype n.; (also) a subdivision of a species or subspecies comprising such strains.
| 1975 Internat. Code Nomencl. Bacteria 126 (table) Serovar... Serotype... Antigenic characteristics. 1988 Q. N. Myrvik & R. S. Weiser Fund. Med. Bacteriol. & Mycol. (ed. 2) ii. 26 Sometimes it is useful to have sub-species classification based on serotypes (Serovars) or phage susceptibility (Phagevars [sic]). 1995 Guardian 1 Apr. (Weekend Suppl.) 38/2 The strain or ‘serovar’ of listeria present in his cheese is type 3b, a type of listeria which is significantly less virulent than others. 2005 Infection & Immunity 73 2986 Salmonella enterica serovar Pullorum causes persistent infections in laying hens. |