Some viruses are clustered into subtypes (i.e. HIV --> subtype A, B, C), while others are divided into genotypes (i.e. HBV --> genotype A, B, C). What is the difference?
Well, both terms can mean the same thing in a given context.
A subtype is a sub-classification of a type and a type may be a genotype, serotype, biotype, pathotype, etc. This will depend on the way how to perform the classification. If we use a genetic characteristic, such as a nucleotide sequence, we can say it is a genotype. However, although technically it is a genotype, we can simply call it type and in this type we can find subtypes, and they may be sub-genotypes.
ok, thank you for the answer.
What do you think if we determine subtype using genotype tool, and the opposite, determine genotype using subtyping tool? I get a little confusion here, that several web servers are labeled as "... Subtyping Tool" while others are "....Genotyping Tool". Whereas both determine the subtype/genotype of the same virus.
Ratna- the term subtype is used in different ways in virus identification. I expect that both tools will provide the same information.
The classification of a HCV is based on the percentage differences in the nucleotide sequence. Thus may be distinguish between types, subtypes, quasispecies and isolates
I completly agree with Dr.Gerardo Santos-López. I can add that 2-10% difference in the sequence homology define a subtype ( which is actually a genotype), while less than 2% a variant (de Villiers et al, 2004)
it is bases on classification method for typing v difference in the sequence . if typing in be used from serology methods we reach serotype or serovare, a group of serovars with common antigens is called a serogroup or sometimes serocomplex. while if there be used from molecular methods in typing we reach genotype.
https://study.com/academy/lesson/difference-between-serotype-genotype-serovar-strain-biotype.html
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