News

New Tutorial for Plasmid Reconstruction and Characterization with Short and Long Read Data

17 Jul 2023

A new SeqSphere+ tutorial for Plasmid Reconstruction and Characterization with Short and Long Read Data is available.
See tutorial...

SeqSphere+ Version 9.0 released that is freely available to customers

11 Apr 2023

This is a major update that features most prominently a new plasmid reconstruction and characterization (rep- and mob-typing, MOB-suite based), mobile genetic element characterization (CGE MobileElementFinder), and Salmonella enterica geno-serotyping (SISTR). As all of these additions need on MS Windows computers an installed Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), we redesigned and made the WSL installation easier. Handling of long-read data (PacBio and ONT) was also improved. Furthermore, we removed the option to submit epidemiological metadata to cgMLST.org, as this function was anyway only used by a minority of all users. Finally, several smaller improvements (e.g., update of AMRFinder database, etc.) are part of this release.
See information on how to update and version changes.

Using SeqSphere+ for the rapid development of clone-specific screening assays from WGS data

22 Oct 2022

In a just published study SeqSphere+ was used for the rapid development of clone-specific screening assays (probe-based real-time PCR or high-resolution melting curve analysis) and compared to other available tools (Microbiol Spectr. 2022 Oct 17: e0303622).
Read more...

New core genome MLST (cgMLST) for four species published

22 September 2022

SeqSphere+ was used to establish, evaluate, and publish four species cgMLST schemes, i.e., Mycobacterium abscessus (PubMed), Burkholderia mallei (PubMed and PubMed), Brucella spp. (PubMed), Serratia marcescens (in press). All five schemes are available for all SeqSphere+ users and the community via cgMLST.org.

SeqSphere+ Version 8.2 released that is freely available to customers

20 Dec 2021

This is a minor update that addresses the potential log4j server vulnerability. In addition this update features an improved NCBI SRA FASTQ download and a faster retrieval of samples for comparison tables. We strongly recommend to all users to install this update.

Ridom SeqSphere+ Potential log4j Vulnerability (CVE-2021-44228)

updated 20 Dec 2021

On Friday December 10 morning a new exploit in log4j Java logging framework was reported, that can be trivially exploited. This vulnerability is caused by a new feature introduced in log4j 2.x versions where a specific string embedded in messages logged by log4j would be interpreted by log4j to connect to remote sites and even execute code directly. The vulnerability, also called log4shell was assumed not to impact SeqSphere+ as the software ships only with an older version of log4j (version 1.2).

However, as it is more recently under discussion that this older log4j version might also be occasionally affected under certain specific configurations, we recommend to all our customers to update to version 8.2 or to install this patch that removes potentially critical classes from log4j version 1.2 but does not change the SeqSphere version..

New functionality for a SeqSphere+ Consortium

20 Oct 2021

New functionality for a SeqSphere+ Consortium that allows several SeqSphere+ users each with their own installation to share a minimum agreed upon amount of data (e.g., for [supra]national/regional genomic surveillance or in the framework of a funded project, etc.) while the original and complete data remain locally.

SeqSphere+ Version 8.0 released that is freely available to customers

18 Aug 2021

This is a major update that features most prominently a new sample QC overview function, recursive similarity searches, early warning alerts (detecting and noting of sample clusters), and local single linkage clustering (allows to build a ‘nomenclature’ based just on own samples). Furthermore, the opening of large comparison tables has been substantially accelerated and it is now possible to search in those tables for gene and product annotations. Finally, a number of smaller improvements and several bug-fixes are part of this release.

NimaGen and Ridom cordially invited to a joint-webinar entitled
'Complete and Convenient Wet- and e-Lab Workflow for SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance Sequencing'

8 June 2021

NimaGen explained its one-step solution EasySeq™ SARS-CoV-2 WGS kit that utilizes Reverse Complement PCR (RC-PCR) for WGS library preparation with just a single PCR reaction for both amplicon generation and indexing. This drastically simplified protocol can reduce hands on time for library prep by up to 80% compared with other methods currently being used for the WGS of SARS-CoV-2.
Ridom demonstrated its SeqSphere+ software with the recently released SARS-CoV-2 plug-in. Once configured the software can automatically analyze SARS-CoV-2 tiled amplicon raw read data with virtually no user intervention. The PANGO lineage is determined, and sequences and metadata can be batch-uploaded and imported from GISAID. Furthermore, a multiple FASTA export is implemented for visualization of own data in a global phylogenetic context with Nextstrain.
See Recording of the Webinar...

SARS-CoV-2 Analysis

3 May 2021

From version 7.5 onwards SeqSphere+ supports starting from Illumina raw reads the analysis of SARS-CoV-2 tiled amplicon (e.g., ARTIC, AmpliSeq, EasySeq RC-PCR, or CleanPlex) data. The generated FASTA files can be analyzed by two task templates: The SARS-CoV-2 all ORFs task template separates the genomic sequence into subsequences matching the different open reading frames (ORFs). In addition, the task template queries the ORFs for notable mutations (e.g., S:N501Y). The SARS-CoV-2 Pangolin task template determines from the genomic FASTA file a  PANGO lineage (e.g., B.1.1.7). Sequences and metadata can be batch-uploaded and imported from GISAID. Furthermore, a multiple FASTA export is implemented for visualization of own data in global context with Nextstrain’s web app Nextclade.
Information on how to update.

C. difficile cgMLST scheme updated (version 2.0)

26 May 2020

In 2018 Bletz et al. published [PubMed] the first version of a C. difficile cgMLST scheme. This scheme is one of our very few schemes that was optimized for the de novo assembler SPAdes. End of 2019 Eyre et al. reported [PubMed] about reproducibility issues when using this scheme and re-sequencing and assembling with SPAdes the same samples. Indeed, we could verify in our recent de novo assembler evaluation such problems especially when SPAdes assemble regions with very low local coverage. Therefore, we introduced with the recent update to SeqSphere+ version 7 remapping of reads and consensus calling (with a minimum base coverage of 5 required to call a non-ambiguous base) as a ‘polishing’ step for SPAdes assembly contigs. Furthermore, herewith we update the C. difficile cgMLST scheme that is now optimized for the SKESA assembler with targets removed that were either not present in 95% of all samples when compared to a sample collection with the world-wide most prevalent ribotypes or especially problematic for SPAdes assemblies. Thereby, the total number of core genome targets was reduced from 2,270 to 2,147.
Only the new version 2.0 of the C. difficile cgMLST scheme will be available for download from the Task Template Sphere and shown at cgMLST.org starting from now on. To prevent confusion between old and new scheme Cluster Types (CT), the new scheme starts with CT 5000. However, if the old scheme was already downloaded, it will remain functional at least until the end of this year.

SeqSphere+ Version 7.0 released that is freely available to customers

28 April 2020

This is a major update that features most prominently support for virulence profiling for 54 species with medical importance by using VFDB data, E. coli O- and H-antigen serotyping, and antimicrobial resistance gene finding by using the new AMRFinderPlus tool (supports all species except M. tuberculosis; requires Linux or WSL). Furthermore, a number of important QC and performance improvements have been implemented, e.g., remapping of reads to SPAdes and SKESA assemblies or support for the fast BWA-MEM mapping algorithm. Finally, a number of smaller improvements and several bug-fixes are part of this release.

IS26-Mediated Transfer of blaNDM-1 as the Main Route of Resistance Transmission During a
Polyclonal, Multispecies Outbreak in a German Hospital

13 January 2020

SeqSphere+ was instrumental to analyze a multi-species hospital outbreak with clonal-, plasmid-, and potential mobile genetic element-transmission (Front Microbiol 10: 2817, 2019).
Read more...

Core genome MLST (cgMLST) scheme for Salmonella enterica evaluated and made public at cgMLST.org

23 October 2019

SeqSphere+ was used to evaluate a cgMLST scheme for Salmonella enterica. PLEASE NOTE: This cgMLST scheme uses exactly the same loci and reference gene sequences as the EnteroBase S. enterica cgMLST v2 scheme. However, the SeqSphere+ allele calling procedure is slightly different and the cgMLST.org allele numbering is independent from and not compatible with the EnteroBase allele nomenclature.
Read more...

SeqSphere+ Version 6.0 released that is freely available to customers

12 April 2019

This is a major update that features most importantly a number of QC improvements, e.g., read data quality and adapter content control, trimming of Illumina adapters, and assessment of paired-end library insert sizes. QC issues are highlighted in the procedure tab of each sample. In addition the specification of project specific default epidemiological and procedure metadata fields for comparison tables is supported now. - Furthermore, for Windows 10/Windows Server 2019 (with installed Windows Subsystem for Linux) and Linux CLIENT users only we support the new super fast NCBI SKESA de novo assembler. In addition, we support a contamination check, automatic project choosing for a multiple species run, and import of Illumina sequencing run details (InterOp files). Finally, smaller improvement and several bug-fixes are part of this release.

Novel core genome MLST (cgMLST) scheme for Enterococcus faecalis published

16 January 2019

SeqSphere+ was used to establish and evaluate a cgMLST scheme for Enterococcus faecalis (JCM ahead of print, 2019).
Read more...

Novel core genome MLST (cgMLST) scheme for Clostridium difficile published

6 June 2018

SeqSphere+ was used to establish and evaluate a cgMLST scheme for Clostridium difficile (JCM 56: e01987-17, 2018).
Read more...

SeqSphere+ Version 5.0 released that is freely available to customers

16 April 2018

This is a major update that features most importantly an improved cgMLST.org functionality, i.e., anonymized sample submission to cgMLST.org and the possibility to withdraw already submitted samples was added. In addition, the search similar samples in database function was improved (possibility now to limit the search by place and time) and the speed of searches was vastly enhanced. Furthermore, the database size will reduce to about 50% of the previous size by internal conversions and compressions. Finally, smaller improvement, renaming of functions/commands (most importantly ‘Cluster Type’ was renamed into ‘Complex Type’ and minimum spanning tree ‘Complexes’ into ‘Clusters’), and several bug-fixes are part of this release.

Origin and evolution of community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus USA300 clone

20 November 2017

SeqSphere+ was instrumental in helping to elucidate the origin and evolution of community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus ST8 (Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2017 Nov 20. pii: 201702472).
Read more...

Novel core genome MLST (cgMLST) scheme for Acinetobacter baumannii published

8 June 2017

SeqSphere+ was used to establish and evaluate a cgMLST scheme for Acinetobacter baumannii (PLoS One 12: e0179228, 2017).
Read more...

High interlaboratory reproducibility and accuracy of NGS based bacterial genotyping in a ring trial

24 February 2017

SeqSphere+ was used in an international bacterial genomic typing ring trial with high reproducibility and accuracy (JCM 55: 908, 2017).
Read more...

Real time genome sequencing with SeqSphere+ of resistant bacteria provides precision infection control in an institutional setting

24 November 2016

The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is a serious global challenge. In a just published study (J. Clin. Microbiol. 54: 2874, 2016) it was prospectively analyzed whether bacterial whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for real-time MDR surveillance is technical feasible, returns actionable results, and is cost-beneficial. WGS was applied to all MDR isolates of four species (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA], vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, MDR Escherichia coli, and MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa) at the University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany, a tertiary care hospital with 1,450 beds, during two 6-month intervals. More than 1,200 isolate WGS data were analyzed automatically with the Ridom SeqSphere+ tool. Turnaround times (TAT) were measured, and total costs for sequencing per isolate were calculated. After cancelling prior policies of preemptive isolation of patients harboring certain Gram-negative MDR bacteria in risk areas, the second interval was conducted. During interval I, 645 bacterial isolates were sequenced. From culture, TATs ranged from 4.4 to 5.3 days, and costs were €202.49 per isolate. During interval II, 550 bacterial isolates were sequenced. Hospital-wide transmission rates of the two most common species (MRSA and MDR E. coli) were low during interval I (5.8% and 2.3%, respectively) and interval II (4.3% and 5.0%, respectively). Cancellation of isolation of patients infected with non-pan-resistant MDR E. coli in risk wards did not increase transmission. Comparing sequencing costs with avoided costs mostly due to fewer blocked beds during interval II, €200,000 in excess was saved. Real-time microbial WGS in our institution was feasible, produced precise actionable results, helped to monitor transmission rates that remained low following a modification in isolation procedures, and ultimately saved costs.

Meningococcal disease: identification of a sexually transmitted variant

11 May 2016

A study elucidates the mechanisms of the emergence of an outbreak of meningococcal disease in men who have sex with men (MSM).
Read more...

SeqSphere+ Version 3.1 released that is freely available to customers

22 January 2016

This is a maintenance release with a number of smaller improvements and bug fixes (e.g., EBI ENA submission works now again after EBI has changed some details of the API; proxy support for SRA download). Most important the cgMLST Target Definer and our NCBI Genome Browser now support bacteria with multiple chromosomes. In addition draft genomes can be now chosen if really needed in the Target Definer as reference genomes. All NCBI codon translation tables are now properly supported on various places in the SeqSphere+ software. Furthermore, export of core and/or accessory genome gene concatenated SNPs in FASTA file format is now supported. Finally, also export of trees in publication ready EMF format that immediately can be read by e.g. MS PowerPoint is now implemented. For a full list of version changes invoke the SeqSphere+ menu command Help | About.

SeqSphere+ version 3.0 released that is freely available to customers with GIS & epi-curve functionality and SRA interface

8 September 2015

Most important we have now implemented geographical information system (GIS) and epi-curve functionality for visualization of the four dimensions place, time, ‘person’, and type. Furthermore, a convenient download of NCBI complete and draft genomes and raw reads from the Sequence Read Archive (SRA) has been realized. Finally, a first version of sample reports has been incorporated as major new feature. In addition, bug-fixes and many smaller usability enhancements are part of this release.

Novel core-genome MLST typing scheme for Listeria monocytogenes presents prospects for a standardized,
portable and expandable typing method based on whole genome sequencing.

19 August 2015

SeqSphere+ was used to establish and evaluate a cgMLST scheme for Listeria monocytogenes.(JCM 53: 2015)
Read more...

Novel core-genome MLST typing scheme for Legionella pneumophilia presents prospects for a standardized,
portable and expandable typing method based on whole genome sequencing.

16 July 2015

SeqSphere+ was used to establish and evaluate a cgMLST scheme for Legionella pneumophilia. (Eurosurveillance 20: 2015)
Read more...

SeqSphere+ Version 2.3 with Raw Read Data Submission to EBI ENA Released

10 January 2015

As more and more of our customers start using the software on a daily basis for routine surveillance tasks we laid great emphasis in implementing productivity enhancement features.
Read more...

In more than 99% of all S. aureus samples the correct Spa type could be extracted by Ridom SeqSphere+ from WGS data

25 November 2014

From 423 MRSA strains encoding 75 different spa types (with 2-19 repeats) the correct Spa type could be extracted in 99.1% from WGS data (250bp Nextera XT read pairs; SeqSphere+ analysis with incorporated Velvet assembly) (CMI 20: 2014).
Article in Press...

Review: WGS Analysis and Interpretation in Clinical and Public Health Microbiology Laboratories

11 June 2014

Review 'WGS Analysis and Interpretation in Clinical and Public Health Microbiology Laboratories: What Are the Requirements and How Do Existing Tools Compare?' just published that includes Ridom SeqSphere+ among other tools. (Pathogens 3: 2014).
Read review...

Whole genome based Mycobacterium tuberculosis surveillance: A standardized, portable, and expandable approach

8 May 2014

A new study published in Journal Clinical Microbiology demonstrated that standardization of whole genome sequencing based (WGS) genotyping of the bacteria causing tuberculosis (TB) is possible, and can be used for improved tracing of pathogen transmission (JCM 52: 2014).
Read more...

MRSA whole genome typing with Ridom SeqSphere+ and MLST+

30 April 2014

Bacterial whole genome sequencing revisited: portable, scalable and standardized analysis for typing and detection of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes (JCM 52: 2014).
See PubMed...

Listeria whole genome typing with Ridom SeqSphere+ and MLST+

27 April 2014

Whole genome sequencing as a tool to investigate a cluster of seven cases of listeriosis in Austria and Germany, 2011-2013. (CMI 20: 2014).
See PubMed...

Life Technologies released App-note describing Ridom SeqSphere+

5 December 2013

Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: LIFE) just has released an App-note describing bacterial typing using the Ion PGM™ system and Ridom SeqSphere+ software.
See App-note...

Dag Harmsen discusses the advantage of benchtop sequencing for smaller laboratories

10 July 2013

He believes that the afforability of benchtop sequencers, such as, the Ion PGM™ Sequencer is democratizing next generation sequencing, allowing smaller laboratories to compete with larger genome sequencing centers.
Play the Video...

Life Technologies Partners with Ridom and Releases SeqSphere+ Software to Speed and Simplify Bacterial Typing

18 April 2013

Life Technologies Corporation announced that it is partnering with Ridom GmbH (Münster, Germany) to make SeqSphere+ whole genome bacterial typing software available for Ion Torrent users.
Read more...

Update on next generation benchtop sequencing - Ridom SeqSphere+ software used for analysis

5 April 2013

New study "Updating benchtop sequencing performance comparison" published in the Nature Biotechnology journal / MiSeq and PGM mature and affordable enough for soon application in routine epidemiologic surveillance for clinical and public health microbiology.
Read more...

Rapid NGS for public health microbiology workshop

March 2013

The in cooperation with PathoNGenTrace organized Workshop & Conference Rapid NGS for Public Health Microbiology was held successfully in Münster, Germany from March 4th to 8th 2013. About 80 participants from 20 countries attended the one day conference. 26 participants stayed for the whole week for a wet laboratory - Ion Torrent PGM and Illumina MiSeq bacterial whole genome sequencing - and computer class part (CLC Genomics Workbench, BIGSdb, Outbreaker, Ridom SeqSphere+ and CloVR).

Ridom celebrates 10-year anniversary

January 2013

Founded January 2003 Ridom GmbH (Münster, Germany) celebrates its ten year anniversary. We are proud due to the loyal and continuous support of our customers to serve the clinical and public health microbiology community for such a long time. Stay another ten years with us and watch out for 'cool' new software products to be released soon.

Patho-NGen-Trace project With Ridom as consortium member started

January 2012

The Patho-NGen-Trace project, proposed to the FP7 (Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development), has been started. The overall objective of Patho-NGen-Trace is to foster the development of new and widespread applications of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in clinical microbiology and disease surveillance, ranging from basic research to medical research, diagnostics, and pathogen genotyping. Major aim of Patho-NGen-Trace is to bring NGS from a basic research tool to a highly efficient technology for pathogen typing and diagnostics on the EU level.
Read more...

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