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Faecalibacterium is a genus of bacteria. Its sole known species, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is gram-positive, mesophilic, rod-shaped , anaerobic and is one of the most abundant and important commensal bacteria of the human gut microbiota. It is non-spore forming and non-motile. These bacteria produce butyrate and other short-chain fatty acids through the fermentation of dietary fiber.

History
Formerly considered to be a member of Fusobacterium, the bacterium is named in honor of German bacteriologist Otto Prausnitz. In 2002, it was proposed to be reclassified as it's own genus, Faecalibacterium, containing the species Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, as phylogenetic analysis from isolates showed it to be only distantly related to Fusobacterium, and a closer member of Clostridium cluster IV.

Genetics
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is 2,868,932 bp in length and has a GC content of 56.9%. The bacterium has been found to have 2,707 coding sequences, including 77 RNAs encoding genes. It's protein production has been linked to anti-inflammatory compounds. 128 metabolic pathways have been isolated, as well as 27 protein complexes and 64 tRNAs. Phylogenetically, the strains of F. prausnitzii compose phylogroups I and II. Most of the new isolates of these bacteria isolated by M. Tanweer Khan belong to phylogroup II.

Clinical relevance
In healthy adults, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii represent more than 5% of the bacteria in the intestine, making it one of the most common gut bacteria. It boosts our immune system, and many other things. Lower than usual levels of F. prausnitzii in the intestines have been associated with Crohn's Disease, obesity, asthma and Major Depressive Disorder.