Serotyping and biotyping of 160 Escherichia coli strains: comparative study

One hundred and sixty Escherichia coli strains were serotyped and biotyped. Serotyping revealed 68 different types, with 25 strains not typable. Biotyping was possible in all strains but revealed 55 different types. One biotype could be subdivided into 35 different serotypes, indicating that for this biotype the series of biochemical and fermentation reactions could be extended for further differentiation.