PathoSense, Merelbeke (2025)

17/07/2025

We know many of you are enjoying well-deserved summer holidays ☀️, but here's something exciting to look forward to when you're back at your desk!
Our incredibly popular "Back-to-work microbiome refresher webinar" is returning for its 4th edition this September, and it's the perfect way to dive back into learning. Designed specifically for experts in the animal nutrition and feed industry, this live online session is your golden ticket to refreshing or enhancing your understanding of microbiome studies.

What you'll uncover (from the comfort of your post-holiday office!):
✔️ The essential ins and outs of conducting successful microbiome studies.
✔️ Clear explanations on the differences between 16S rRNA gene sequencing and shotgun metagenomics.
✔️ Practical skills to confidently interpret and analyze typical microbiome study reports – from rarefaction plots to alpha and beta diversity!

Mark your calenders and secure your spot for a productive return to work: https://hubs.la/Q03xq_H70

14/07/2025

Let's give a big welcome to our student, Marie!

Marie, who is currently studying veterinary sciences and just finished her 3rd bachelor, reached out to us a few months ago with a keen interest in lab work. We were so impressed with her initiative that we brought her on board, and we're so glad we did!

In just a short time, Marie has already mastered the art of swab production and logistics, earning her the well-deserved title of 'Swab Master'! She has also taken her first steps in the lab and assists with marketing tasks.

We love her energy and can-do attitude. So happy you're part of the team, Marie!

08/07/2025

PathoSense continues to accept sample submissions during the holidays. Just a heads up, please note that PathoSense will be closed on the official holidays of 21 July and 15 August.

If you want to get in touch about WGS, microbiome and other services feel free to send us an email.

Enjoy you the Summer! 🌞

07/07/2025

Welcome to the team, Sofie!
We're excited to introduce our new Lab Technician.

As our company continues to grow, Sofie will be assisting Dries and Manon in the laboratory. As you can see, Sofie is already busy in the lab being onboarded by Manon! Her role is crucial to guaranteeing the high-quality handling of all samples and maintaining our commitment to efficient turnaround times.

Sofie is a veterinarian with additional training in biotechnology, bringing a fantastic blend of life sciences knowledge and applied research skills.

Welcome, Sofie! Happy to have you with us.

01/07/2025

Great workshop about diagnostics in swine organised by our German partner laboratory San Vet. The German swine vets were immersed in different aspects of diagnostics from PCR, to microbiology and pathology to sequencing.

Sebastiaan and Adelaide had the pleasure to present the PathoSense sequencing-based diagnostic tool. They spoke about general applications to expand diagnostics of PRDC and enteric diseases. Furthermore, we showed how PRRSV whole genome sequencing can aid in strain surveillance. Finally, we prepared already for our new assay that is coming... virulence factor detection!

Thanks for the very kind receipt at the impressive San Group Biotech Campus!

-marijke buch

Traveling continues now... more news to come later this week :-)

26/06/2025

At PathoSense, we are your partners in viral characterisation.
We provide expert Viral Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) services for a diverse range of species, receiving samples from all over Europe.
Whether you're tracking viral evolution in livestock or investigating pathogens in companion animals, our dedicated team is here to help. As a certified service provider of Oxford Nanopore Technologies, with deep expertise, we deliver fast, reliable results that provide clear answers to your most complex questions.
Look through the images to see the scope of our viral WGS work and how we can support your project.

Ask your question here: Link in first comment 👇

11/06/2025

🔬 Excited to share our latest research contribution on an emerging pathogen threat in exotic reptiles.

PathoSense co-authored a study investigating a severe disease outbreak in imported juvenile caiman lizards

Key findings:

- Ferlavirus was identified as primary cause of respiratory and systemic disease. Sequencing indicated close relatedness with ferlaviruses from anacondas.
- Novel barthadenovirus and Cryptosporidium avium co-infections detected
- International pet trade highlighted as pathway for pathogen spread

This case demonstrates how comprehensive diagnostic approaches can uncover complex co-infections affecting exotic species. The identification of ferlaviruses in lizards adds to growing evidence of their broader host range beyond snakes.

Great work by Rachel Marschang, Camille Francois and all co-authors!

The link to the journal website can be found in the comments ↓

03/06/2025

🚀 A new podcast episode of "Pathogens in the Spotlight," is LIVE!

We're honored to have An Vanderzeypen from Zoetis, respected swine veterinarian, as our first guest. As a frequent PathoSense user, An provides a deep dive into how this diagnostic tool supports her in tackling challenging cases and improving swine health.

Learn from a true expert!

🎧Tune in: https://hubs.la/Q03qlcMS0

27/05/2025

🧬 Why Yeast Genome Sequencing Matters for Your Biotechnology Projects 🧬

When working with engineered yeast strains even the smallest genetic variation can significantly impact the efficiency and success of your production process. Having a precise and thorough understanding of your yeast genome is essential.

By accurately mapping the genome of your engineered yeast strains, PathoSense can detect and verify critical details such as plasmid integration sites, and chromosome integrity. This not only ensures that your genetic modifications are stable and functioning as intended but also helps you identify potential structural variants that could affect yeast performance.

Investing in yeast whole-genome sequencing allows you to save valuable time and resources by catching inconsistencies early, reducing trial-and-error, and optimizing strain performance for maximum yield and consistency.

Don’t leave your research and production outcomes to chance—gain clarity with PathoSense’s Yeast Whole-Genome Sequencing service: https://hubs.la/Q03g5JYc0

21/05/2025

Excited to announce a new partnership between PathoSense and FarmFaes, in collaboration with the University of Murcia! 🤝 🇪🇸
¡Encantados de anunciar una nueva colaboración entre PathoSense y FarmFaes, junto con la Universidad de Murcia! 🤝 🇪🇸

We've teamed up with FarmFaes to bring PathoSense diagnostic technology to Spanish farmers and producers. The University of Murcia will be processing all samples, ensuring high-quality and reliable diagnostics for livestock producers across Spain.

This makes Spain our 7th partner country in Europe - another step forward in our growing network across the continent.

The team caught in action at the FarmFaes booth (pictured) is ready to get to work combining their expertise in animal nutrition and health with our diagnostic solutions.

Good news for Spanish producers looking for better animal health management!

08/05/2025

🧬 Whole genome sequencing for biopharma applications

When developing vaccines or biological products, a lot of challenges are ahead but two critical questions constantly arise:
- Am I working with the right viral, bacterial or yeast strain?
- Are there unwanted adventitious agents in my early R&D samples or seed products?

Traditional testing methods require multiple PCRs - expensive, time-consuming, and limited in scope.
The good news? Regulatory landscapes are shifting toward Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) as a comprehensive alternative.

Join our free webinar to discover how NGS and Whole Genome Sequencing can revolutionize your biopharma applications for:
- Viral (autogenous) vaccines: From early strain characterization to adventitious agent testing and with a particular focus on animal health industry
- Bacterial contamination QC: How 16S rRNA sequencing enables rapid decision-making when doing fermentation
- Yeast strain analysis: Identifying plasmid integration sites and structural variants
As scientists ourselves, we're excited to share practical applications that strengthen your quality control and accelerate development timelines.

What's your biggest challenge in ensuring biological product integrity? Do you want to share it below?
Free registration link in comments (recording available afterwards).

29/04/2025

What started as a passionate vision for revolutionizing infectious diagnostics in the animal health industry has now materialized into a state-of-the-art sequencing facility.

At PathoSense, our team of 9 dedicated scientists and professionals is driven by a simple yet powerful mission: to transform how we detect and manage infectious diseases and the microbiome in animals through cutting-edge sequencing-based innovation.

The journey hasn't always been easy. From late nights analysing data and cash flow planning to countless iterations of our sequencing platform, we've faced the challenges that all science-driven startups encounter. But today marks a significant milestone in our growth story.

Our new laboratory space represents more than just expanded capacity. It embodies our commitment to:
* Creating science-based solutions that veterinarians and the animal health industry can trust
* Building a company culture where innovation thrives

As we grow, we remain focused on durable development, scaling thoughtfully rather than rapidly. This ensures our foundation remains strong while we expand our horizons in animal health innovation. We keep our focus on our core strengths: animal health, infectious diseases & microbiome.

I'm incredibly proud of our small but mighty team, who made this possible. This laboratory isn't just a workspace; it's where breakthrough discoveries will happen. 🧪

So next time, when you are in Ghent, drop us a message and you can see our lab in real life.

PathoSense