Faecalibacterium prausnitzii: from microbiology to diagnostics and prognostics

Abstract

There is an increasing interest in Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, one of the most abundant bacterial species found in the gut, given its potentially important role in promoting gut health. Although some studies have phenotypically characterized strains of this species, it remains a challenge to determine which factors have a key role in maintaining the abundance of this bacterium in the gut. Besides, phylogenetic analysis has shown that at least two different F. prausnitzii phylogroups can be found within this species and their distribution is different between healthy subjects and patients with gut disorders. It also remains unknown whether or not there are other phylogroups within this species, and also if other Faecalibacterium species exist. Finally, many studies have shown that F. prausnitzii abundance is reduced in different intestinal disorders. It has been proposed that F. prausnitzii monitoring may therefore serve as biomarker to assist in gut diseases diagnostics. In this mini-review, we aim to serve as an overview of F. prausnitzii phylogeny, ecophysiology and diversity. In addition, strategies to modulate the abundance of F. prausnitzii in the gut as well as its application as a biomarker for diagnostics and prognostics of gut diseases are discussed. This species may be a useful potential biomarker to assist in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease discrimination.

Fecal microbiota and bile acid interactions with systemic and adipose tissue metabolism in diet-induced weight loss of obese postmenopausal women

“…Prior studies have examined weight associations with this genus in obesity [45, 46] but do not associate it with weight loss, especially in very obese patients. On the other hand, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii decreased in our study, but has been proposed as a microbial discriminant between gut disorders as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease [47]. There was no consistent increase in Akkermansia , as had been described [41].…”

The social network of microorganisms — how auxotrophies shape complex communities

“…In turn, by-products from inulin catabolism can be used by primary fermenters such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Bacteroides vulgatus . The sequential action of different members of the gut microbiota involving glycolytic and fermentation pathways generates the metabolic input (for example, SCFAs, lactic acid and hydrogen) for a diverse set of microorganisms, including sulfate-reducing bacteria, acetogens and methanogens 26–28 . The exchange of electron donors is a well-established driving force in microbial ecology, and textbook knowledge of these exchanges is often consulted when interpreting microbiome data and describing microbial networks.…”

“…Extracellular polysaccharides (for example, inulin, xylan or arabinogalactan) can be metabolized by human-associated bacteria, such as Bacteroides ovatus 25 or Lactobacillus paracasei 92 , into different monosaccharides (for example, glucose or fructose). Breakdown products from saccharolytic bacteria in the gut can be converted to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs; for example, acetate or butyrate) by primary fermenters, such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii 26 and Bacteroides vulgatus 25 , in a sequential manner. b | Expanding the classic view of electron donor exchange.…”

Pea Hull Fiber: A Dietary Fiber to Modulate Gastrointestinal Function and Gut Microbiota

“…However, with provision of pea hull fiber an increase in F. prausnitzii was found, along with a number of other changes in operational taxonomic units (i.e., closely related groups of bacteria). This finding is interesting given that the abundance of this bacterial species is reduced with gastrointestinal and other disease states (30).…”

“…One microbial species candidate is Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, an abundant and efficient butyrate producer. A lower abundance of this species is associated with irritable bowel syndrome (29), active inflammatory bowel disease (35), and other intestinal disorders (30). A reduced abundance of F. prausnitzii also has been shown in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and interestingly, it is inversely associated with C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation (21).…”