Streptococcus Pyogenes - Serotyping

Serotyping

In 1928, Rebecca Lancefield published a method for serotyping S. pyogenes based on its M protein, a virulence factor displayed on its surface. Later in 1946, Lancefield described the serologic classification of S. pyogenes isolates based on their surface T antigen. Four of the 20 T antigens have been revealed to be pili, which are used by bacteria to attach to host cells. Over 100 M serotypes and approximately 20 T serotypes are known. The disease was widely publicized in the early 90's as it was the cause of death of Jim Henson.