Subtype-Is a sub classification of microorganism in to subtypes, it may be genotype, serotype, biotype and pathotype.
Serotype is a distinct variation of antigenicity of bacteria or virus with in species and subspecies.
Serotype is a distinct variation within a species of virus or among immune cells of different individuals. These microorganisms, viruses, or cells are classified together based on their cell surface antigens , wile the Subtype-Is a sub classification of microorganism in to subtypes, it may be genotype, serotype, biotype and pathotype.
There is no set rule for terms like serotype, subtype, or even species, subspecies or type of virus, bacteria, phage, fungi and other organisms. For many human pathogens of great interest to humans, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 or enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, there are nomenclature standards in place which have evolved over the years as genotyping has become more affordable and easier to do.
Serotypes are determined with antibodies. In some cases the antibodies might be monoclonal antibodies raised in cell culture, but in many cases serology is or was done with polyclonal antibodies raised in animals such as rabbits or goats or humans.
Genotypes can also be determined in many ways. Looking at restriction digests of genomes, for example, is one method, abreviated as RFLP. PCR amplified length polymorphisms (AFLP) is another method. Sequencing of genome regions or complete genomes is yet another genotyping method.
The International Committee for the Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) is officially in charge of viral nomenclature, but they do not attempt to help with anything below the species level. But there is no clear definition of what a "species" or virus is, so even this varies a lot from one family or viruses to another. Also, the ICTV is an unfunded organization which has been completely overrun by the flood of newly discovered viruses in the last decade.
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