Probiotic compositions of p. felis and methods

Abstract

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods of administering the compositions to animals to modulate gastrointestinal function and bile acid metabolism. The compositions disclosed include at least one Peptacetobacter felis strain and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition may be administered to modulate gastrointestinal function, including modulation of bile acid metabolism. In certain embodiments, administration of the compositions is associated with increased conversion of bile acids and alterations in gastrointestinal microbial activity. Methods of preparing and formulating the compositions are also described.

Description

PCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025PROBIOTIC COMPOSITIONS OF P. FELIS AND METHODSBACKGROUND

[0001] Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer certain health benefits to the host by maintaining, improving, and / or restoring the gut microbiota.

[0002] Certain probiotic taxa involved in bile acid metabolism exhibit host-associated genetic divergence, and bile acid-converting microorganisms associated with feline gastrointestinal tracts may be genetically distinct from those predominating in other mammalian hosts.

[0003] Accordingly, microbial compositions developed for other mammalian hosts may not recapitulate the genomic or functional characteristics required for effective modulation of bile acid metabolism in cats.SEQUENCE LISTING

[0004] This application contains a Sequence Listing electronically submitted via Patent Center to the United States Patent and Trademark Office as an .xml file entitled“117693.00025.xml” having a size of 5,668 kilobytes and created on December 15, 2025. The information contained in the Sequence Listing is incorporated by reference herein.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure relates to probiotic compositions, methods of manufacture, and therapeutic uses of a genetically and phylogenetically distinct group of intestinal bacteria within the genus Peptacetobacter as isolated from feline hosts and submitted to IJSEWM for recognition as a new species, which is referred to herein by its proposed new species name, Peptacetobacter felis (P. fells). The taxon P. felis is characterized by host-restricted association with cats, conserved bile acid 7a- and 7^- dehydroxylation pathways, and strain-specific effects on gastrointestinal microbial communities and epithelial barrier function.

[0006] Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analyses of multiple feline-derived Peptacetobacter isolates demonstrate that P. felis strains share high intraspecies average nucleotide identity (ANI), while exhibiting ANI values below recognized species demarcation thresholds relative to Peptacetobacter taxa isolated from non-fehne hosts. Phylogenetic analysis further confirms that feline-derived isolates form a distinct11106254189\3\AMER ICASPCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025 clade, supporting our conclusion that P. felis is adapted to the feline gastrointestinal environment.

[0007] In one aspect, the disclosure provides probiotic compositions comprising microbes from one or more strains of P. felis, including strains represented by deposits with an international depository (namely, LMG P-33639, LMG P-33641, LMG P-33644, LMG P-33645 and LMG P-33646 as deposited with the Belgian Coordinated Collections of Microorganisms or BCCM), derivatives thereof, and taxonomic variants having high genomic similarity to the deposited strains. The probiotic compositions may optionally comprise more than one P. felis strain and may further include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, or additional formulation components suitable for veterinary administration.

[0008] In another aspect, the disclosure provides methods of administering P. felis compositions to feline subjects to modulate gastrointestinal function. In certain embodiments, P. felis strains exhibit bile acid metabolism activity, including conversion of primary bile acids to secondary bile acids via 7a- and / or 7|3-dehydroxylation pathways. In vitro analyses demonstrate that felis strains convert cholic acid to deoxy cholic acid and chenodeoxy cholic acid to lithocholic acid, thereby increasing secondary bile acid production.

[0009] In further aspects, selected P. felis strains modulate feline gut microbial communities, including increasing microbial diversity and influencing the abundance of taxa associated with gastrointestinal homeostasis. Certain strains additionally produce metabolites that attenuate inflammation-induced epithelial permeability in an in vitro intestinal barrier model, indicating strain-specific benefits related to gut barrier integrity.

[0010] The disclosure further provides methods for treating (including managing) gastrointestinal disorders, dysbiosis, impaired bile acid metabolism, and increased intestinal permeability in feline subjects by administering compositions comprising P. felis. Also provided are methods of increasing bile acid metabolism and methods of preparing probiotic compositions comprising P. felis, including cultivation, isolation, and formulation under anaerobic conditions.

[0011] Collectively, the disclosed compositions and methods establish P. felis as a novel, feline-adapted probiotic taxon with defined genomic, metabolic, and functional properties, providing targeted approaches for improving gastrointestinal health in cats.PCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0012] The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various aspects discussed herein.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a phylogenetic tree constructed from 20 isolates of Peptacetobacter felis from cats, as well as a representative Peptacetobacter hiranonis and Paraclostridium bifermentans .

[0014] FIG. 2 shows Microbial Diversity using Shannon index at the species level for four fecal microbial communities, from each of four donors, subjected to treatment with each of four types of P. felis, relative to a control, in an in vitro fermentation assay. The asterisks (*) indicate treatments with significant differences (P < 0.05) compared to Inoculant + Buffer (negative control). P. felis used were: A32 = ABCS0032 corresponding to LMG P-33639; A802 = ABCS0802, corresponding to LMG P-33644; A805 = ABCS0805 corresponding to LMG P-33645; A808 = ABCS0808, also corresponding to LMG P-33645. SC002, SC003, SC004, and SC005 are the different fecal donors.

[0015] FIGS. 3A & 3B show correlations between significantly abundant species in samples treated with P. / e / A ABCS0032 (A32, corresponding to LMG P-33639) compared to (A) negative control and (B) measured short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in an in vitro fermentation assay with multiple fecal donors. FIG. 3A is a lollipop figure of significantly different species in each prototype compared to Inoculant + Buffer (negative control) (P < 0.05). Positive CLR difference indicates higher abundance in tested prototype compared to Inoculant. Negative CLR difference indicates higher abundance in Inoculant compared to tested prototype. FIG. 3B shows Pearson correlation between the species that were significantly abundant (as identified in FIG. 3A) and acetate, butyrate, propionate, and total SCFAs. Red represents a positive correlation; blue represents a negative correlation. Stars indicate the level of significance: * = 0.05, ** = 0.01, *** = 0.0001.

[0016] FIGS. 4 A & 4B show correlations between significantly abundant species in samples treated with P. / e / A ABCS0805 (A805, corresponding to LMG P-33645) compared to (A) negative control and (B) measured SCFAs in an in vitro fermentation assay with multiple fecal donors. FIG. 4A is a lollipop figure of significantly different species in each prototype compared to Inoculant + Buffer (negative control) (P < 0.05). Positive CLR difference indicates higher abundance in tested prototype compared to Inoculant. Negative CLR difference indicates higher abundance in Inoculant compared to tested prototype. FIG. 4B shows Pearson correlation between the species that were significantly abundant (as identified in FIG. 4A) and acetate, butyrate, propionate, and totalPCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025SCFAs. Red represents a positive correlation; blue represents a negative correlation. Stars indicate the level of significance: * = 0.05, ** = 0.01, *** = 0.0001.

[0017] FIGS. 5A & 5B show correlations between significantly abundant species in samples treated with P.felis ABCS0802 (A802, representing the cluster that includes LMG P-33644) compared to (A) negative control and (B) measured SCFAs in an in vitro fermentation assay with multiple fecal donors. FIG. 5A is a lollipop figure of significantly different species in each protot pe compared to Inoculant + Buffer (negative control) (P < 0.05). Positive CLR difference indicates higher abundance in tested prototype compared to Inoculant. Negative CLR difference indicates higher abundance in Inoculant compared to tested prototype. FIG. 5B shows Pearson correlation between the species that were significantly abundant (as identified in FIG. 5A) and acetate, butyrate, propionate, and total SCFAs. Red represents a positive correlation; blue represents a negative correlation. Stars indicate the level of significance: * = 0.05, ** = 0.01, *** = 0.0001.

[0018] FIGS. 6A & 6B show correlations between significantly abundant species in samples treated with P.felis ABCS0808 (A808, representing the cluster that includes LMG P-33645) compared to (A) negative control and (B) measured SCFAs in an in vitro fermentation assay with multiple fecal donors. FIG. 6A is a lollipop figure of significantly different species in each protot pe compared to Inoculant + Buffer (negative control) (P < 0.05). Positive CLR difference indicates higher abundance in tested prototype compared to Inoculant. Negative CLR difference indicates higher abundance in Inoculant compared to tested prototype. FIG. 6B shows Pearson correlation between the species that were significantly abundant (as identified in FIG. 6A) and acetate, butyrate, propionate, and total SCFAs. Red represents a positive correlation; blue represents a negative correlation. Stars indicate the level of significance: * = 0.05, ** = 0.01, *** = 0.0001.

[0019] FIG. 7 shows production of secondary bile acids and intermediates from primary bile acids in single cultures for each of P.felis ABCS0032, ABCS0802, ABCS0805, and ABCS0808. Average of triplicates. All P. felis strains tested could convert primary bile acids to secondary bile acids when grown as an independent single culture and supplemented with primary bile acids, cholic acid, and chenodeoxy cholic acid.

[0020] FIG. 8 shows a phylogenetic tree depicting the relationship between Peptacetobacter taxon inferred from the core alignment of the genomes of six strains of Peptacetobacter felis isolated from cats, five strains of Peptacetobacter hiranonis isolated from dogs, the type strain for Peptacetobacter hiranonis isolated from humans, and Paraclostridium bifermentans . Branch length and evolutionary distances are depicted.PCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025

[0021] FIG. 9 shows change in relative abundance of P. felts (left) and Streptococcus bovis (right) in the fecal microbiome of cats administered a combination of P. fells and S. boulardil. P. felts alone, or S. boulardii alone, for 30 days.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE IMPLEMENTATIONS

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter, examples of which are illustrated in part in the accompanying drawings. While the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the enumerated claims, the exemplified subject matter is not intended to limit the claims to the disclosed subject matter.

[0023] This disclosure describes probiotic compositions isolated from feline hosts. The probiotic compositions may be administered to subjects to improve gut health of the subject. Generally, the probiotic compositions include one or more strains of the taxon referred to herein as Peptacetobacter felts (P. felts). P. fells is an intestinal bacterium that lacks bile acid deconjugation and epimerization pathways, but which has bile acid 7a- and 7p-dehydroxylating activity.

[0024] This disclosure describes identification and characterization of P. fells isolated from feline hosts that may be used as a probiotic. First, whole genome sequencing was used to assess functional capabilities of 20 P. felts genomes isolated from fecal samples of multiple feline donors. In-silico characterization identified phylogenetic similarities among and functional differences between genomes. Representative genomes were evaluated in an in vitro cat gut model using sick cat fecal samples.

[0025] Distinction of Peptacetobacter felts'. Comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses demonstrate that P. fells represents a distinct taxon within the genus Peptacetobacter , differentiated from previously described Peptacetobacter species by host association, genomic relatedness, and metabolic features.

[0026] Previous analyses of feline gastrointestinal microbiota have identified bile acidconverting bacteria using reference databases that did not distinguish between feline- associated strains and related taxa isolated from non-feline hosts, rendering their conclusions confusing if not misleading. As described herein, comparative genomic analysis demonstrates that bile acid-converting strains previously classified as Peptacetobacter hiranonis in feline samples represent a genetically distinct taxon, referred to herein as Peptacetobacter felts, having distinctive functional attributes.PCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025

[0027] Isolates of P. felis were obtained exclusively from feline gastrointestinal samples and exhibit a host-restricted association with cats. Whole-genome sequencing of multiple feline-derived isolates shows high intra-species genomic similarity, while comparison with Peptacetobacter species isolated from non-feline hosts reveals average nucleotide identity (ANI) values below recognized species demarcation thresholds, including ANI values of less than 95% relative to canine- and human-associated Peptacetobacter species.

[0028] Phylogenetic analysis further confirms that feline-derived Peptacetobacter isolates form a clade and are distinct from non-feline Peptacetobacter species. This phylogenetic separation is consistent across multiple analytical methods and is believed to reflect evolutionary divergence associated with adaptation to the feline gastrointestinal environment.

[0029] In addition to genomic and phylogenetic differences, P. felis strains exhibit metabolic features that distinguish them from other members of the genus Peptacetobacter . Notably, genomic analyses indicate that P. felis strains lack bile acid deconjugation pathways commonly present in certain non-feline bile acid-modifying bacteria, including pathways responsible for bile salt hydrolase activity. Instead, P. felis strains possess conserved bile acid 7a- and / or 70-dehydroxylation pathways, supporting a distinct mode of bile acid metabolism adapted to the feline host.

[0030] Sampling, Testing and Phylogenetic Analysis

[0031] As described in the Examples below, P. felis were identified from feline fecal samples using phenotypic analy sis of the 20 genomes, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and whole genome sequencing. Representatives of the identified strains were screened for antibiotic resistance genes and / or virulence genes and evaluated in an in vitro cat gut model using sick cat fecal samples. The in vitro cat gut model evaluated microbiome modulation, potential to reduce the extent of inflammation-induced epithelial permeability (TEER Assay), small-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, primary to secondary bile acid conversion, and indole production.

[0032] As described in Example 2 below, the 20 P. felis genomes were subj ected to phylogenetic analysis, which resulted in the 20 P. felis genomes being grouped into six clusters (where a “cluster” may be a single branch or genome), as shown in FIG. 1. The cluster including genomes ABCS0806, ABCS0808, and ABCS0805 corresponds to the sample of ABCS0805 deposited with the Belgian Coordinated Collections of Microorganisms (BCCM) under the accession number LMG P-33645. The cluster including genomes ABCS0408, ABCS0207, ABCS0299, ABCS0403, ABCS0283, andPCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025ABCS0213 corresponds to the sample of ABCS0213 deposited with the BCCM under accession number LMG P-33641. The cluster including genomes ABCS0032, ABCS0176, ABCS0812, and ABCS0810 corresponds to the sample of ABCS0032 deposited with the BCCM under accession number LMG P-33639. The cluster including genome ABCS0807 corresponds to the sample of ABCS0807 deposited with the BCCM under accession number LMG P-33646. The cluster including genomes ABCS0802, ABCS0803, ABCS0804, and ABCS0801 corresponds to the sample of ABCS0801 deposited with the BCCM under accession number LMG P-33644. See Table A.Table A

[0033] P. fells isolates affected microbial diversity

[0034] One way to assess differences between microbial communities is to check for microbial diversity within the sample — as reflected by any of a variety of measures based generally on the number of different taxa and the abundances of each taxon within the community. The Shannon Index metric was used to measure microbial diversity (Alpha Diversity). The Shannon Index accounts for both abundance and evenness of each microbial species within the population. Higher microbial diversity has been linked to healthier microbiome communities, because higher microbial diversity may lead to higher resistance to community perturbations (Loreau and de Mazancourt, 2013, Ecology Letters 16: 106-115).

[0035] Administration of each of four isolates of P. fells resulted in significantly greater microbial diversity relative to the control, both overall and for three of the four donor communities (FIG. 2). The . fells isolates were tested in the in vitro colonic fermentation assay using fecal material from three sick donors (as a proxy of a disbalanced feline microbiome). After incubation for 48 hours in that colonic assay, samples were sequenced looking for the effect of the isolates on feline microbiome (microbial diversity being one of the output measured).PCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025

[0036] Effect of treatment on microbes in the cat gut

[0037] To further understand how treatment with P. fells isolates affected the microbiome, a differential abundance analysis was performed to identify the effect of each isolate on individual species within the microbiome, and how those microbial species were associated with certain small-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (a type of volatile fatty acid or VFA). While ABCS0032 had great metabolic effects, with the highest increase in total SCFA (FIG. 3, TotaLVFA), an increase of a detrimental microbe — Clostrid um perfringens — was also observed, which has been linked to diarrhea in both cats and dogs (Marks et al., 2011, J Vet Intern Med 25:1195-1208) (FIG. 3). Increases in the relative abundance of C. perfringens was not observed in other tested P. felis strains (FIGS. 4-6).

[0038] Treatment with ABCS0032 (LMG P-33639) showed an increased abundance for Phocaeicola, Blautia, Enterocloster , Osclllibacter , and Peptacetobacter felis (labeled in the figures as “clostridium_U.hiranonis”) when compared to untreated control (FIG. 3). Treatment with ABCS0802 (an isolate within the same cluster as ABCS0801 / LMG P- 33644) showed higher abundance for Blautia, Enterocloster , and Peptacetobacter felis compared to untreated control (FIG. 5). Treatment with ABCS0805 (LMG P-33645) showed an increase abundance for Blautia, Enterocloster, Bacteroides, Enterococcus lactis, and Peptacetobacter felis compared to untreated control (FIG. 4). The previously mentioned genera and species for which abundance was observed after treatment with P. felis are genera or species, respectively, identified as beneficial feline microbiome biomarkers. Treatment with strains ABCS0802, ABCS0S805, and ABCS0808 showed an increased abundance for Sellimonas intestinalis compared to untreated control. This species was proposed as a potential biomarker of homeostasis gut recovery (Munoz et al., 2020).

[0039] Transepithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) Assay

[0040] The ability of the evaluated P. felis treatments to reduce the extent of inflammation-induced epithelial permeability on differentiated human intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayer was examined in a TEER assay, an in vitro barrier tissue model system. A decrease in TEER value after being exposed to the inflammatory cytokine cocktail represents a reduction in the integrity of the Caco-2 cell monolayer and is a representative model of “leaky gut.” This is often used to understand inflammatory diseases of the intestine and colon. A TEER Ratio was calculated by dividing the TEER value at 18 hours and 42 hours by the baseline TEER value at 0 hours for each individual well. A value below 1 represents a decrease in TEER relative to the initial time point (time 0), suchPCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025 lower values indicate increased epithelial permeability after incubation whereas values closer to 1 indicate reduced inflammation-induced permeability in the epithelial monolayer Thus, treatments that reduce or ameliorate the inflammation-induced decrease in TEER (values near 1) are likely to be associated with reduced epithelial permeability in vitro. The percent improvement in TEER compared to the media only with inflammatory stimulus control was also calculated at the 18-hour and 42 -hour timepoints for each microbial strain. The higher the percentage, the more protective the treatment and the lesser the extent of inflammation-induced permeability compared to the media only control.

[0041] Cell free supernatants of the treatment strains were tested in the TEER experiment to evaluate whether the bacterial metabolic products present in spent growth broth have an effect at attenuating the drop in TEER after exposing the cell monolayer to an inflammatory stimulus cocktail for 18 hours. Table 1 represents a 24-hour pre-treatment of the various cell free supernatants followed by an additional 18-hour incubation period with an inflammatory stimulus. After replacing the used media with fresh complete media, cells were incubated for an additional 24 hours. TEER was measured again and is represented as 42h TEER. The TEER ratios at both 18 hours and 42 hours were calculated by dividing the TEER values at these timepoints by the baseline TEER value (Oh) for each individual well. The percent improvement in TEER compared to the media only control is also shown in Table 1 at 18h and 42h. The growth medium broth alone showed no significant differences from the media only control, suggesting that the broth itself does not influence cell monolayer integrity at the inclusion concentration of 10% (v / v). The TEER value of the monolayer showed a significant decrease for all treatments after the 18-hour exposure to the inflammatory stimulus. Treatment with ABCS0802 significantly decreased the degree of inflammation induced permeability at 18 hours and 42 hours, showing 16% improvement in TEER value at 18 hours and 25% improvement in TEER value at 42 hours compared to the media only control. These findings suggest that the composition modulates epithelial barrier properties under inflammatory conditions in an in vitro intestinal barrier assay. TPCA-1 [5-(p-fluorophenyl)-2-ureido]thiophene-3-carboxamide was used as a reference anti-inflammatory control.

[0042] The TPCA-1 control maintained cell monolayer integrity after exposure to the cytokine cocktail at both the 18h and 42h timepoint.Table 1.PCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025

[0043] Table 2 shows TEER ratios and the percent improvement in TEER compared to the media only control of the treatments with the addition of the inflammatory cocktail (TNF-a, IL-1 P, and IFN-y) at 18 hours and 42 hours. Without the addition of the cytokine cocktail, no reduction in TEER is seen from the baseline TEER measurement for all treatments, indicating that the treatments alone do not have a negative effect on cell monolayer integrity (data not shown). As shown below, the blank 48-hour sham control had no significant differences compared to the media only control, suggesting that the cat colonic assay buffer does not influence cell monolayer integrity at the inclusion concentration. The TEER value of the monolayer showed a significant decrease for all isolates after the 18-hour exposure of the inflammatory cocktail. However, treatment with ABCS0032 showed a modest decrease in TEER induced by the inflammatory cocktail at 18 hours and 42 hours, showing 2.0-5.7 % (average 3.0%) improvement compared to the media only control. These results indicate that A32-type compositions attenuate inflammation-induced epithelial permeability and maintain epithelial barrier properties in an in vitro cell monolayer model.

[0044] Consistently, the TPCA-1 control maintained cell monolayer integrity after exposure to the cytokine cocktail.Table 2PCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025

[0045] Bile acid conversion and indole production

[0046] All P. fells strains tested could convert primary bile acids to secondary bile acids when grown as an independent single culture and supplemented with primary bile acids, cholic acid, and chenodeoxy cholic acid (FIG. 7, Table 3). Out of the four isolates tested, only ABCS0032 (LMG P-33639) produced indole, in small levels, when supplemented with tryptophan (data not shown). Primary bile acid is converted to the corresponding secondary bile acid via 7 -dehydroxylation pathway involving several enzymatic steps, including cholic acid to deoxy cholic acid and chenodeoxy cholic acid to lithocholic acid.Three variants of an intermediate ketone structure (“oxo cholic acid” peaks 1, 2 and 3) also were detected (FIG. 7). All five strains produced similar levels of secondary bile acids (FIG. 7). ABCS0808 (a strain within the same cluster as ABCS0805 / LMG P-33645) made slightly more than the others when averaged. All five produced significant amount of the ketone intermediate indicated by oxo cholic acid peak 1; ABCS0032 (LMG P-33639) produced the most. Table 3 shows the conversion rates of primary bile acids to secondary bile acids in single culture assays for each of four P. fells clusters. Ratios based on the amount of primary bile acids added (cholic acid and chenodeoxy cholic acid).Table 3CA = cholic acid; DCA = deoxycholic acid; CDCA = chenodeoxycholic acid; LCA = lithocholic acid* Member of cluster represented by ABCS0801 / LMG P-33644.

[0047] Probiotic compositions

[0048] Thus, in one aspect, this disclosure describes probiotic compositions that generally include microbes from one or more strains of P. fells. In some embodiments, thePCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025P. fells are as deposited at BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645, LMG P- 33641, LMG P-33639, LMG P-33646, or LMG P-33644. In some embodiments, the P. fells comprise derivatives of microbes deposited at BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645, LMG P-33641, LMG P-33639, LMG P-33646, or LMG P-33644. In some embodiments, the P. fells are microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645, LMG P-33641, LMG P-33639, LMG P-33646, or LMG P-33644. See Table A, above.

[0049] The probiotic composition can include microbes from two or more strains of P. fells described in the preceding paragraph. The composition can include microbes from one or more genera other than Peptacetobacter . In an embodiment, the composition includes Saccharomyces boulardii.

[0050] In some embodiments, the strain or strains of P. fells comprise(s) microbes having at least 98%, at least 98.1%, at least 98.2%, at least 98.3%, at least 98.4%, at least 98.5%, at least 98.6%, at least 98.7%, at least 98.8%, at least 98.9%, at least 99.0%, at least 99.1%, at least 99.2%, at least 99.3%, at least 99.4%, at least 99.5%, at least 99.6%, at least 99.7%, at least 99.8%, at least 99.9% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the Belgian Coordinated Collections of Microorganisms (BCCM) under the accession number LMG P-33645, LMG P-33639, LMG P-33641, LMG P-33644, LMG P- 33645, and / or LMG P-33646 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645 (SEQ ID NOs. 624-852), LMG P-33639 (SEQ ID NOs: 1-199), LMG P-33641 (SEQ ID NOs. 200-391), LMG P-33644 (SEQ ID NOs: 392-623), LMG P-33646 (SEQ ID NOs: 853-1031), and / or; and / or a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645, LMG P-33639, LMG P-33641, LMG P-33644, LMG P- 33645, or LMG P-33646 and / or derivatives thereof.

[0051] For purposes herein, Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) refers to the mean nucleotide-level similarity between homologous genomic regions shared by two microbial genomes. ANI values for the Peptacetobacter felis strains described in this disclosure were calculated using ortholog genes clustering with OrthoMCL (Li, Christian J. Jr Stoeckert, and David S. Roos. 2003. “OrthoMCL: Identification of Ortholog Groups for Eukaryotic Genomes - Li et al. 13 (9): 2178 - Genome Research.” Genome Research 13 (9): 2178-89.), and computing ANI using methods described by (Contreras-Moreira, Bruno, and Pablo Vinuesa. 2013. GET HOMOLOGUES, a Versatile Software Package for Scalable and Robust Microbial Pangenome Analy sis.PCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025Vol. 79. American Society for Microbiology; Vinuesa, Pablo, and Bruno Contreras- Moreira. 2015. “Robust Identification of Orthologues and Paralogues for Microbial PanGenomics Using GET HOMOLOGUES: A Case Study of PIncA / C Plasmids.” Methods in Molecular Biology 1231: 203-32 ).

[0052] As used herein, the term “derivative” with respect to an identified strain of P. fells means a microbial isolate that originates from or is obtained by cultivation or genetic modification of that identified strain. In some embodiments, denvatives include spontaneous or induced mutants, natural variants, descendants, progeny, subcultures, and hybrids obtained therefrom, as well as isolates recovered from fecal or intestinal material of an animal administered the deposited strain. The term excludes non-viable metabolic products or purified biomolecules that are not living microbial cells.

[0053] When present in the probiotic composition, P. fells microbes may be provided in an amount of from about 10 to about 1018colony forming units (CFUs). Thus, the probiotic composition can include a minimum of, for example, at least 10, at least 102, at least 103, at least 104, at least 105, at least 106, at least 107, at least 108, at least 109, at least 1010, at least 1011, at least 1012, at least 1013, at least 1014, at least 1015, at least 1016, at least 1017, or at least 1018CFU iP. fells microbes. The probiotic composition can include a maximum of, for example, at most 10, at most 102, at most 103, at most 104, at most 105, at most 106, at most 107, at most 108, at most 109, at most 1010, at most 1011, at most 1012, at most 1013, at most 1014, at most 1015, at most 1016, at most 1017, or at most 1018CFU QtP. fells microbes. The probiotic composition can include an amount of P. fells microbes expressed as a range having endpoints defined by any minimum amount of P. fells microbes listed above and any maximum amount of P. fells microbes listed above that is greater than the selected minimum amount. Thus, the probiotic composition can include, for example, from about 108CFU to about 109CFU oP / < fells microbes. The probiotic composition can include, for example, about 108CFU ofP. fells microbes. The probiotic composition can include, for example, about 109CFU of P. fells microbes.

[0054] As used herein, “CFU” refers to the common term “colony forming unit,” a measure of viable cell numbers in CFU / mL. As used herein, “AFU” refers to “Active Fluorescent Units,” a measure of cells that uses flow cytometry to count viable microorganisms tagged with fluorescent markers by laser.

[0055] In an embodiment, the effective amount of P. fells is 1 g / day of lyophilized P. fells. In an embodiment, the effective amount ofP. fells is 100M AFUs per day.PCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025

[0056] P.felis strains may be selected for inclusion in the probiotic composition based on one or more characteristics of the strain. For example, strain ABCS0802 (corresponding to LMG P-33644) reduced inflammation-induced epithelial permeability in the TEER assay, and in-silico analysis indicates that the strain possesses the Vitamin A metabolism pathway. As another example, strain ABCS0805 (LMG P-33645) promoted microbiome diversity and does not have antibiotic resistance genes, and in-silico analysis indicates that the strain possesses the Vitamin B metabolism pathway. As yet another example, strain ABCS0032 (LMG-33639) promoted microbiome diversity (increasing abundance of various microbial taxa), attenuated inflammation-induced epithelial permeability and maintained epithelial barrier properties, and produced indole.

[0057] The P. felis microbes may be combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. As used herein, a “carrier” includes any solvent, dispersion medium, vehicle, coating, diluent, isotonic agent, absorption delaying agent, buffer, carrier solution, suspension, colloid, and the like. The use of such media and / or agents for active probiotic substances is well known in the art.

[0058] Except insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the P. felis microbes in the probiotic composition, its use in the probiotic compositions is contemplated. Supplementary active ingredients also can be incorporated into the probiotic compositions. As used herein, “pharmaceutically acceptable” refers to a material that is not biologically or otherwise undesirable, i.e., the material may be administered to an individual along with the P. felis microbes without causing any undesirable biological effects or interacting in a deleterious manner with any of the other components of the probiotic composition in which it is contained.

[0059] The probiotic composition may be formulated in a variety of forms adapted to a preferred route of administration. Thus, a composition can be administered via known routes including, for example, oral, parenteral (e.g., intradermal, transcutaneous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intraperitoneal, etc.), or topical (e.g., intranasal, intrapulmonaiy, intramammary, intravaginal, intrauterine, intradermal, transcutaneous, rectally, etc.). Thus, for example, the probiotic compositions described herein may be formulated for oral delivery.

[0060] The P. felis probiotic composition may be provided in any suitable form including but not limited to a solid (e.g., a powder or tablet), a solution, a liquid suspension, a gel, an emulsion, a spray, an aerosol, or any form of mixture. The probiotic composition may be delivered in formulation with any pharmaceutically acceptablePCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025 excipient, earner, or vehicle. For example, the probiotic composition can include at least one / < fells strain and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or carrier.

[0061] The probiotic composition as described herein can be delivered as a formulation in a conventional oral dosage form. Such a composition can include at least one P. fells strain and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Optionally, the probiotic composition can include at least one P. fells strain and an enteric coating that reduces the extent to which the probiotic composition is released until after it exits the stomach of the subject to which the probiotic composition is administered.

[0062] The probiotic composition may be in the form of, for example, a tablet, a capsule, a gel, a liquid suspension, a cream, an ointment, an aerosol formulation, a nonaerosol spray, and the like.

[0063] The probiotic composition as described herein may further include one or more additives including, but not limited to, a prebiotic, an adjuvant, a colorant, a fragrance, a flavoring, a thickener, and the like. Exemplary prebiotics include, but are not limited to, inulin, one or more mannose oligosaccharides (MOS), one or more fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), one or more galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), one or more disaccharides, one or more monosaccharides, one or more polyols, one or more sugar alcohols, oligofructose, or a combination of two or more prebiotics. Further, the formulation can involve one or more components being provided in a form or with an excipient that enhances stability of the product and / or survival through the gastrointestinal tract if administered orally (e.g., an enteric coating, microencapsulation, etc.).

[0064] When present, a prebiotic may be provided in the probiotic composition at any desirable concentration. For example, the probiotic composition can include a prebiotic at a concentration of at least about 1 mg / ml, about 2 mg / ml, about 3 mg / ml, about 4 mg / ml, about 5 mg / ml, about 10 mg / ml, about 15 mg / ml, about 20 mg / ml, about 25 mg / ml, about 30 mg / ml, about 35 mg / ml, about 40 mg / ml, about 45 mg / ml, about 50 mg / ml, about 55 mg / ml, about 60 mg / ml, about 65 mg / ml, about 70 mg / ml, about 75 mg / ml, about 80 mg / ml, about 85 mg / ml, about 90 mg / ml, about 95 mg / ml, about 100 mg / ml, about 110 mg / ml, about 125 mg / ml, about 130 mg / ml, about 140 mg / ml, or about 150 mg / ml. For example, the probiotic composition can include a prebiotic at a concentration of at most about 1 mg / ml, about 2 mg / ml, about 3 mg / ml, about 4 mg / ml, about 5 mg / ml, about 10 mg / ml, about 15 mg / ml, about 20 mg / ml, about 25 mg / ml, about 30 mg / ml, about 35 mg / ml, about 40 mg / ml, about 45 mg / ml, about 50 mg / ml, about 55 mg / ml, about 60 mg / ml, about 65 mg / ml, about 70 mg / ml, about 75 mg / ml, about 80 mg / ml, about 85PCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025 mg / ml, about 90 mg / ml, about 95 mg / ml, about 100 mg / ml, about 110 mg / ml, about 125 mg / ml, about 130 mg / ml, about 140 mg / ml, or about 150 mg / ml. For example, the probiotic composition can include a prebiotic at a concentration of about 1 mg / ml, about 2 mg / ml, about 3 mg / ml, about 4 mg / ml, about 5 mg / ml, about 10 mg / ml, about 15 mg / ml, about 20 mg / ml, about 25 mg / ml, about 30 mg / ml, about 35 mg / ml, about 40 mg / ml, about 45 mg / ml, about 50 mg / ml, about 55 mg / ml, about 60 mg / ml, about 65 mg / ml, about 70 mg / ml, about 75 mg / ml, about 80 mg / ml, about 85 mg / ml, about 90 mg / ml, about 95 mg / ml, about 100 mg / ml, about 110 mg / ml, about 125 mg / ml, about 130 mg / ml, about 140 mg / ml, or about 150 mg / ml.

[0065] A formulation may be conveniently presented in unit dosage form and may be prepared by methods well known in the art of pharmacy. Methods of preparing a composition with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier include the step of bringing the P. fells microbes into association with a carrier that constitutes one or more accessory ingredients. In general, a formulation may be prepared by uniformly and / or intimately bringing the active compound into association with a liquid carrier, a finely divided solid carrier, or both, and then, if necessary, shaping the product into the desired formulations. Thus, the probiotic composition may be formulated with a solid carrier — e.g., for delivery' as a powder or in a capsule such as, for example, a pet treat, a powder added to dry or wet food, an ingredient in a dry food, etc. The solid carrier can include microcrystalline cellulose, maltodextrin, or a similar carrier. Alternatively, the probiotic composition may be formulated with a gel carrier or a liquid carrier — e.g., for deliver}' a gel or liquid added to dry or wet food, inclusion in a pet treat, inclusion in drinking water, etc. The probiotic composition may be formulated for sustained or delayed release.

[0066] The probiotic composition may be used in the preparation of a veterinary medicament for administering to an animal. Thus, this disclosure describes methods that involve administering to an animal a probiotic composition — e.g., a veterinary medicament that includes the probiotic composition — that includes at least one strain of P. fells.

[0067] In an embodiment, microbial compositions comprising at least one strain of P. fells microbes as described herein may be used to treat dysbiosis; improve gastro-intestinal function or health; increase conversion of primary to secondary bile acid, including via 7 a- and / or 7P-dehydroxylation pathways and / or by converting cholic acid to deoxycholic acid and / or chenodeoxy cholic acid to lithocholic acid; modulate feline microbial communities, including the fecal microbiome, for example, increasing diversity and / or changing relative abundances of microbes, including the abundance of taxa associated with gastrointestinalPCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025 homeostasis; attenuate inflammation induced epithelial and / or intestinal permeability; reduce small-chain fatty' acid (SCFA) production; and / or reduce indole production.

[0068] In the present disclosure, “leaky gut syndrome” or “leaky gut syndrome; LGS” refers increased permeability of the intestinal mucosa. For example, “leaky gut syndrome” can include a phenomenon in which an intestinal mucosal cell maintains a certain gap between cells such that material (e.g., a pathogen, an antigen, a decay substance, or other material in the blood) can reciprocate through the gap between the cells by applying a stimulus or damage during the process of digestion and absorption. “Leaky gut syndrome” collectively refers to symptoms and / or clinical signs caused by material in the blood leaking into the intestinal lumen due to a failure of the intestinal mucosa to function properly, causing various inflammatory reactions and / or immune responses. The symptoms and clinical signs of leaky gut syndrome are often various, extensive, and / or ambiguous symptoms that may be common in other diseases.

[0069] “Treat” or variations thereof refer to modulating, reducing, limiting progression, ameliorating, or resolving, to any extent, the symptoms or signs related to a condition. Thus, the methods of treatment described herein include administering an effective amount of the probiotic composition to a subject having, or at risk of having, a particular condition. In this aspect, an “effective amount” is an amount effective to modulate, reduce, limit progression, ameliorate, or resolve, to any extent, a symptom or clinical sign related to the condition.

[0070] “Dysbiosis” as used herein refers to any condition characterized by loss of microbial diversity, expansion of pathogenic taxa, and / or disruption of functional pathways. In veterinary science, dysbiosis has been associated with a wide array of GI and systemic conditions. Well -documented examples include: Chronic Enteropathies or IBD- like disease, chronic diarrhea, chronic vomiting, weight loss, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (lymphoplasmacytic, eosinophilic), antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal disturbance (GI signs that improve temporarily with antibiotics), acute diarrhea I acute GI upset, stress- associated gastrointestinal signs, colitis and large-bowel diarrhea, dietary indiscretion, parasite-triggered GI inflammation, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, diet-associated gastrointestinal disorders, Enteropathy, chronic kidney disease, atopic dermatitis / allergic disease (gut-skin axis), feline cognitive dysfunction (gut-brain axis), epilepsy (gut-brain axis), obesity and metabolic disease, hypothyroidism, tnaditis, and constipation / megacolon.PCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025

[0071] In another aspect, this disclosure describes a method of preparing a probiotic composition. The method generally includes growing at least one strain of / ’, fells microbes in contact with a growth medium, isolating at least a portion of the P. fells from the growth medium, and combining the isolated P. fells microbes with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Since the probiotic composition can include microbes from two or more strains of P. fells, the method can involve any manner of preparing a probiotic composition that includes a combination of P.felis strains. For example, separate P. fells strains may be grown in separate cultures, separately isolated, then the separately isolated P. felis strains may be combined with one another. In such an implementation, the culture medium used in the separate cultures may be the same or may be different. As another example, two or more strains of P. fells may be grown together in a single culture, isolated from the culture medium together, then combined with the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0072] In the preceding description and following claims, the term “and / or” means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements; the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” and variations thereof are to be constmed as open ended — i.e., additional elements or steps are optional and may or may not be present; unless otherwise specified, “a,” “an,” “the,” and “at least one” are used interchangeably and mean one or more than one; and the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

[0073] As used herein, “have,” “has,” “having,” “include,” “includes,” “including,” “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising” or the like are used in their open-ended inclusive sense, and generally mean “include, but not limited to,” “includes, but not limited to,” or “including, but not limited to.” Further, wherever implementations are described herein with the language “have,” “has,” “having,” “include,” “includes,” “including,” “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising” and the like, otherwise analogous implementations described in terms of “consisting of’ and / or “consisting essentially of’ are also provided. The term “consisting of’ means including, and limited to, that which follows the phrase “consisting of.” That is, “consisting of’ indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, and that no other elements may be present. The term “consisting essentially of’ indicates that any elements listed after the phrase are included, and that other elements than those listed may be included provided that those elements do not interfere with or contribute to the activity or action specified in the disclosure for the listed elements.PCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025

[0074] As used herein, the word “exemplary” means to serve as an illustrative example and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0075] As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to implementations of the invention that may afford certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, other implementations may also be preferred under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred implementations does not imply that other implementations are not useful and is not intended to exclude other implementations from the scope of the invention.

[0076] In the preceding description, particular implementations may be described in isolation for clarity. Reference throughout this specification to “one implementation,” “an implementation,” “certain implementations,” “one or more implementations,” or “some implementations,” etc., means that a particular feature, configuration, composition, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation is included in at least one implementation of the disclosure. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same implementation of the disclosure. Furthermore, the particular features, configurations, compositions, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more implementations. Thus, features described in the context of one implementation may be combined with features described in the context of a different implementation except where the features are necessarily mutually exclusive.

[0077] In several places throughout the above description, guidance is provided through lists of examples, which examples can be used in various combinations. In each instance, the recited list serves only as a representative group and should not be interpreted as an exclusive list.

[0078] For any method disclosed herein that includes discrete steps, the steps may be performed in any feasible order. And, as appropriate, any combination of two or more steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0079] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components, molecular weights, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at leastPCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025 be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary' rounding techniques.

[0080] Values expressed in a range format should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range were explicitly recited. For example, a range of “about 0.1% to about 5%” or “about 0.1% to 5%” should be interpreted to include not just about 0.1% to about 5%, but also the individual values (e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., 0.1% to 0.5%, 1.1% to 2.2%, 3.3% to 4.4%) within the indicated range. The statement “about X to Y” has the same meaning as “about X to about Y,” unless indicated otherwise. Likewise, the statement “about X, Y, or about Z” has the same meaning as “about X, about Y, or about Z,” unless indicated otherwise.

[0081] Unless expressly stated, ppm (parts per million), percentage, and ratios are on a by weight basis. Percentage on a by weight basis is also referred to as wt% or % (wt) below.

[0082] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. All numerical values, however, inherently contain a range necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0083] The complete disclosure of all patents, patent applications, and publications, and electronically available material (including, for instance, nucleotide sequence submissions in, e.g., GenBank and RefSeq, and amino acid sequence submissions in, e.g., SwissProt, PIR, PRF, PDB, and translations from annotated coding regions in GenBank and RefSeq) cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event that any inconsistency exists between the disclosure of the present application and the disclosure(s) of any document incorporated herein by reference, the disclosure of the present application shall govern. The foregoing detailed description and examples have been given for clarity of understanding only. No unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom. The invention is not limited to the exact details shown and described, for variations obvious to one skilled in the art will be included within the invention defined by the claims.

[0084] All headings are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of the text that follows the heading, unless so specified.Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025EXAMPLES

[0085] The invention is further described in detail by reference to the following experimental examples. These examples are provided for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified. Thus, the invention should in no way be construed as being limited to the following examples but rather should be construed to encompass any and all variations that become evident as a result of the teaching provided herein.

[0086] Example 1 - Culturing of Microbial Strains

[0087] The organisms used and their growth conditions are summarized in Table 4 below. Bacteria were first grown on agar plates. 3-5 isolated colonies were then used to start a broth culture. To determine growth curves for each strain, optical density (ODeoonm) was measured using a spectrophotometer, and the cell concentrations (cfu / mL) at OD 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 were determined by performing 10-fold serial dilutions of the bacteria in PBS and then plating dilutions 10'1to 10'8. Growth curves were tested in duplicate and repeated twice.Table 4

[0088] Preparations of Bacterial Cultures

[0089] Bacteria were grown in optimal growth conditions appropriate for each microbe until they reached the desired optical density of about 1.0. Bacteria were then spun down at 4,000 xg for 10 minutes. The supernatant was carefully withdrawn, and the formed pellet was resuspended or concentrated in fdter sterilized cat colonic assay buffer to achieve a cell concentration of ~ 1 x 109cfu / mL. Bacteria were then put into the cat colonic assay at a 20-fold dilution, making the final concentration ~5xl07cfu / mL. The appropriatePCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025 reconstituted concentration of the bacteria to achieve the desired starting concentration of ~l xl09cfu / mL was approximately 100* for all strains.

[0090] Counting Viable Bacteria

[0091] To ensure that the bacteria were around the desired concentration (~l xl09cfu / mL) at the start of the assay, the reconstituted bacteria were enumerated by performing 10-fold serial dilutions in PBS. Dilutions 10'1to 10'8were plated on appropriate agar plates and incubated at their optimal growth conditions according to Table 4. PBS alone and the cat colonic assay buffer alone were also plated to ensure no contamination was present on all agar types and incubated anaerobically at 37 °C for up to 72 hours.

[0092] At the 48-hour timepoint of the cat colonic assay, the treatment strains that were diluted 20-fold in cat colonic assay buffer were subsampled, and bacteria were enumerated by performing the process mentioned above. This was performed to see if bacteria remained viable throughout the period of the assay.

[0093] Example 2 - Phylogenetic analysis

[0094] Whole genomes of P. fells isolated from felines were aligned using scapper (https: / / github.com / tseemann / scapper), which compares the genomes of interest to a reference and identifies a set core genes. These core genes are concatenated and aligned by scapper and the resulting alignment is used for phylogenetic reconstruction (RaxML Stamatakis, A., 2014, Bioinformatics 30(9): 1312-1313). The tree was rooted using the publicly available genome Paraclostridium bifermentans and midpoint rooting.

[0095] The phylogenetic tree for the whole genomes revealed six distinct sub-groups of P. fells isolated from cats, as shown in FIG. 1, indicative of and referred to herein as distinct strains. Different isolates of a single strain were often found to originate from a single host, as shown in FIG. 1. When analyzed with strains of P. fells isolated from nonfeline hosts (FIG. 8), all the Peptacetobacter isolated from cats clustered together on a distinct branch, separate from Peptacetobacter isolated from other hosts, indicating that feline-isolates are genetically and phylogenetically different from isolates from other hosts.

[0096] Example 3 - ANI analysis

[0097] The Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) of each feline Peptacetobacter isolate against every other feline Peptacetobacter isolate genome was computed using clustered coding sequences by OrthoMCL (Li et al., 2003, Genome Res. 13:2178-2189). Table 5 shows that all the Peptacetobacter isolated from cats have ANIs each with one another of about 98. 1% or greater, but have ANIs less than 95% with Peptoacetobacter speciesPCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025 isolated from non-feline hosts, suggesting that the cat isolates represent a new species within the genus Peptacetobacter .Table 5

[0098] Example 4 - Bile acid metabolism analysis

[0099] Bile acid metabolism pathways were screened using gapseq (Zimmerman et al., 2021, Genome Biol 22:81). Table 6 summarizes the bile acid metabolism pathways of each isolate by specific pathway IDs, each of which is associated with different processes involved in bile acid metabolism. These pathways include bile acid deconjugation (PWY- 8135), bile acid 7f> dehydroxylation (PWY-8134), bile acid 7a dehydroxylation (PWY- 7754), and bile acid epimerization (PWY-6518). The presence (TRUE) or absence (FALSE) of these pathways in all the isolates is indicated. Two pathways are prevalent across all samples. The 7(1 dehydroxylation and 7a dehydroxylation pathways are the most commonly observed, indicating these dehydroxylation processes are widespread across the isolates. The bile acid deconjugation and epimerization pathways were not present in any of the isolates.Table 6 - Presence (TRUE) or absence (FALSE) of bile acid metabolism pathway genes in P. felis isolatesPCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025

[0100] TEER Assays

[0101] Baseline TEER (Oh) was measured before the 24-hour pre-treatment of P. felis isolates and 18-hour TEER was measured after an additional 18-hour exposure with an inflammatory cocktail (TNF-a, IL- 1 , and IFN-y). 42-hour TEER was measured after replacement of spent media with fresh complete media for 24 hours. Treatments were tested in duplicate. Each value is the average TEER Ratio ± SEM between the two experiments. Percent improvement is compared to the media only control with the addition of the inflammatory stimulus.

[0102] Example 5 - Method of treatment of a leaky gut syndrome in a cat identified to be suffering from a leaky gut syndrome

[0103] A probiotic composition that containing a population of P. felis strains is used to study its effects on the treatment of a leaky gut syndrome in cats. A cat leaky gut syndrome model is used to observe behavioral characteristics in the study, while neurons extracted from these cats are used to observe electrophysiological characteristics and inflammatory symptoms.

[0104] A probiotic composition that includes P. felis and a prebiotic fiber source is tested in a cat model of leaky gut syndrome. A negative control that contains all of the manufacturing ingredients and the prebiotic fibers, but excludes the bacterial strains is also used and tested in a different cat with the same leaky gut diagnosis and of similar age, weight, and sex as the probiotic-treated cats. At adult age of the cat, the probiotic and the control are administrated orally for 30 days at a daily dosage of IB CFU / g. Followed by the oral dosage for the mentioned time period, the cats are monitored for clinical signs and responses over a 30-day withdrawal period.PCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025

[0105] Inflammatory' and health metrics associated with leaky gut syndrome are assessed in the cat model, before, during and after the treatment period. Monitored metrics can include one or more of the following: the frequency and severity of such clinical signs as diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, gastric reflux, microbiome composition, fecal consistency scores, fecal moisture content, fecal IgA, fecal IgG, fecal calprotectin, primary and secondary bile acids, and short chain fatty acids.

[0106] Cats treated with the probiotic P. fells composition exhibit significant improvement in inflammation and gastrointestinal signs compared to the placebo-treated cats.

[0107] Example s

[0108] Nine domestic cats (n=9) were enrolled in a pilot study and assigned to one of three probiotic treatment groups: 100M AFUs (Active Fluorescent Units) P. fells (ABCS0805 / LMG P-33645) and 1.8B CFUs Saccharomyces boulardii (n=2), 100M AFUs P. fells (ABCS0805 / LMG P-33645) only (n=2), or 1.8B CFUs S. boulardii only (n=l). The cats received their respective probiotic for 30 days. The fecal microbiome was sampled at baseline and at day 30.

[0109] Surprisingly P. fells relative abundance increased more in the cats who received P. fells AB805 in combination with S. boulardii compared to the other two treatments. In addition, the pathobiont, Streptococcus bovis (which becomes elevated in dysbiotic cats) was reduced in cats who received the combination of P. fells AB805 with S. boulardii and not in the other two treatment groups (FIG. 7).CLAUSES DESCRIBING THE INVENTION

[0110] Clause 1. A microbial composition comprising: microbes from at least one strain of P. felis; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; wherein the microbes comprise one or more of the following: microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the Belgian Coordinated Collections of Microorganisms (BCCM) under the accession number LMG P-33639 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639; microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33641 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33641; microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under thePCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025 accession number LMG P-33644 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33644; microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645; and microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33646 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P- 33646.

[0111] Clause 2. The microbial composition of clause 1, wherein the one strain of P. felis is a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645, LMG P-33646, LMG P-33641, LMG P-33639, or LMG P-33644.

[0112] Clause 3. The microbial composition of clause 1 or 2, wherein the microbes comprise: microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33645 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P- 33645; or microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33646 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P- 33646; or microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33639 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P- 33639; or microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33641 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P- 33641; and / or microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33644 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P- 33644.

[0113] Clause 4. A microbial composition comprising P. felis, wherein the P. felis is chosen from at least one deposited at BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639, LMG P-33641, LMG P-33644, LMG P-33645 or LMG P-33646 and denvatives thereof.

[0114] Clause 5. A microbial composition consisting of an effective amount of P. felis, wherein the P. felis is as deposited at BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639, LMGPCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025P-33641, LMG P-33644, LMG P-33645 and / or LMG P-33646 and derivatives thereof, and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0115] Clause 6. The microbial composition of clause 5, wherein the effective amount of P. felis is at least 100M AFUs per day.

[0116] Clause ?. The microbial composition of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the composition comprises microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under two or more of LMG P-33639, LMG P-33641, LMG P-33644, LMG P-33645 and LMG P-33646 and / or microbes of two or more strains for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P- 33639, LMG P-33641, LMG P-33644, LMG P-33645, and / or LMG P-33646.

[0117] Clause 8. The microbial composition of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the composition comprises microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33639, LMG P-33644, and LMG P-33645 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639, LMG P-33644, and / or LMG P-33645.

[0118] Clause 9. The microbial composition of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and is formulated for oral administration to a cat.

[0119] Clause 10. The microbial composition of any of clauses 1-9 wherein the composition is formulated as a solid for oral administration by coating the composition partially or completely in an enteric coating that disintegrates only in the small intestine of a cat.

[0120] Clause 11. The microbial composition of any of clauses 1-10, wherein the microbial composition further comprises an effective amount of Saccharomyces boulardii.

[0121] Clause 12. The microbial composition of clause 11 wherein the effective amount of Saccharom ces boulardii is at least 1.8B CFUs per day.

[0122] Clause 13. The composition of any of clauses 1-12 for use in the preparation of a veterinary medicant for treating a gastrointestinal condition in a cat.

[0123] Clause 14. A method of improving bile acid metabolism in a cat, the method comprising administering to the cat the microbial composition of any of clauses 1-13.

[0124] Clause 15. The method of clause 14, wherein administering the composition increases conversion of a primary bile acid to a secondary bile acid.

[0125] Clause 16. The method of clause 14 or 15, wherein bile acid metabolism is improved via 7a- and / or 7[3-dehydroxylation pathways.PCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025

[0126] Clause 17. The method of any of clauses 14-16. wherein administering the composition improves efficiency of conversion of chenodeoxycholic acid to lithocholic acid, and / or improves efficiency of conversion of cholic acid to deoxy cholic acid.

[0127] Clause 18. A method of making a probiotic composition, the method comprising: growing microbes of at least one strain of P. felis in contact with a growth medium; isolating P. felis microbes from the grow th medium; and combining at least a portion of the isolated P. felis microbes with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; wherein the microbes are chosen from: microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the Belgian Coordinated Collections of Microorganisms (BCCM) under the accession number LMG P-33639; microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33641; microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33644; microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33645; and / or microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33646.

[0128] Clause 19. The method of clause 18, wherein the probiotic composition comprises microbes of two or more strains of P. felis that were grown in a single culture.

[0129] Clause 20. The composition of any of clauses 1-3 and 5-6, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises a solid, optionally maltodextrin or microcrystalline cellulose, or a liquid.

[0130] Clause 21. The method of any of clauses 18-20, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises a solid, optionally maltodextnn or microcry stalline cellulose, or a liquid.

[0131] Clause 22. The method of clause 18, wherein: microbes of a first strain of P. felis are grown in contact with a first growth medium; microbes of a second strain of P. felis are grown in contact with a second growth medium; at least a portion of the microbes of the first strain of P. felis are isolated from the first growth medium; and at least a portion of the microbes of the second strain of P. felis are isolated from the second growth medium.

[0132] Clause 23. The method of clause 22, wherein at least a portion of the microbes of the isolated first strain of P. felis is combined with at least a portion of the microbes of the isolated second strain of P. felis; and the combined microbes of the isolated first strain of P. felis and the isolated second strain of P. felis are combined with the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.PCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025

[0133] Clause 24. The method of clause 22, wherein at least a portion of the microbes of the isolated first strain of P. felis are combined with a first pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to form a first intermediate composition; at least a portion of the microbes of the isolated second strain of P. felis are combined with a second pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to form a second intermediate composition; and at least a portion of the first intermediate composition is combined with at least a portion of the second intermediate composition.

[0134] Clause 25. The method of any of clauses 22-24, wherein the first growth medium is different than the second growth medium.

[0135] Clause 26. The method of clause 24, wherein the first pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is different than the second pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0136] Clause 27. A method of treating dysbiosis in a cat, the method comprising: administering an effective amount of a probiotic composition comprising at least one strain of P. felis and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; wherein the administration of the effective amount of the probiotic composition increases conversion of primary bile acids to secondary bile acids relative to an untreated control animal.

[0137] Clause 28. The method of clause 27, wherein the administration increases conversion by increasing 7a- and / or 70-dehydroxylation activity.

[0138] Clause 29. The method of any of clauses 27-28, wherein the administration increases fecal microbiome diversity, optionally as measured by the Shannon Index, of the cat.

[0139] Clause 30. A method of any of clauses 27-29, wherein the administration increases abundance of taxa associated with gastrointestinal homeostasis.

[0140] Clause 31. The method of any of clauses 27-30, wherein the administration increases the abundance of one or more of: Phocaeicola, Blautia, Enter ocloster, Oscillibacter, Bacteroides, Enterococcus lactis, Peptacetobacter felis, and Sellimonas intestinalis .

[0141] Clause 32. The method of any of clauses 27-31, wherein the administration reduces small-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production.

[0142] Clause 33. The method of any of clauses 27-32, wherein the strain of P. felis attenuates inflammation-induced epithelial permeability and / or maintains epithelial barrier properties.

[0143] Clause 34. The method of any of clauses 27-33, wherein the administration decreases symptoms of leaky gut.

[0144] Clause 35. The method of any of clauses 27-34, wherein the administration increases P. felis relative abundance and / or reduces Streptococcus bovis abundance.PCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025

[0145] Clause 36. The method of any of clauses 27-35, wherein the strain of P. felis does not have antibiotic resistance genes.

[0146] Clause 37. The method of any of clauses 27-36, wherein the strain of P. felis possesses Vitamin B metabolism or Vitamin A metabolism pathways.

[0147] Clause 38. The method of any of clauses 27-37, wherein the strain of P. felis produces indole when supplemented with tryptophan.

[0148] Clause 39. The method of any of clauses 27-38, wherein the effective amount of the probiotic composition comprises 100M AFU per day of the at least one strain of P. felis.

[0149] Clause 40. The method of any of clauses 27-39, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises a solid or a liquid, and the probiotic composition is formulated for oral administration.

[0150] Clause 41. The method of any of clauses 27-40, wherein the composition comprises microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited at BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639 and / or to SEQ ID NOs. 1-199, and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639 and / or microbes of the isolate ABCS00032 and derivatives thereof.

[0151] Clause 42. The method of any of clauses 27-40, wherein the composition comprises microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited at BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33644 and / or to SEQ ID NOs: 392-623 , and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33644 and / or microbes of the isolate ABCS00802 and derivatives thereof.

[0152] Clause 43. The method of any of clauses 27-40, wherein the composition comprises microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited at BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645 and / or to SEQ ID NOs: 624-852, and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645 and / or microbes of the isolate ABCS00805 and derivatives thereof.

[0153] Clause 44. The method of any of clauses 27-40, wherein the composition comprises microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes of any of isolate ABCS0810, ABCS0812, ABCS0176, ABCS0032, ABCS0811, ABCS00807, ABCS0802, ABCS0803, ABCS0804, ABCS0801, ABCS0299, ABCS0283, ABCS0408, ABCS0207,PCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025ABCS0403, ABCS0213. ABCS0800, ABCS0805, ABCS0808, and / or ABCS0806, and derivatives thereof.

[0154] Clause 45. A probiotic composition comprising: (a) purified and lyophilized P. fells microbes comprising: microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645; and / or microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P- 33646 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33646; and / or microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639; and / or microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33641 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33641; and / or microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33644 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P- 33644; and (b) one or more carriers suitable for cat administration; wherein the P. fells microbes are in an amount effective to improve one or more traits in a cat administered the composition.

[0155] Clause 46. The probiotic composition of clause 45, wherein: the purified and lyophilized P. fells microbes comprise: microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P- 33645 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645; and / or microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33646 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33646; and / or microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639; and / or microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited withPCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025 the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33641 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P- 33641; and / or microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33644 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33644.

[0156] Clause 47. The probiotic composition of clause 45 or 46, wherein the microbes comprise nucleic acid sequences having at least 99.2% sequence identity to any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-199; 200-391; 392-623; 624-852; and 853-1031.

[0157] Clause 48. The probiotic composition of any of clauses 45-47, wherein the composition comprises at least 10, at least 102, at least 103, at least 104, at least 105, at least 106, at least 107, at least 108, at least 109, at least 1010, at least 1011, at least 1012, at least 1013, at least 1014, at least 1015, at least 1016, at least 1017, or at least 1018CFUs / ml of the P. felis microbes.

[0158] Clause 49. The probiotic composition of any of clauses 45-48, wherein the carrier is chosen from microcrystalline cellulose or maltodextrin.

[0159] Clause 50. The probiotic composition of any of clauses 45-49 wherein the composition is formulated as a solid for oral administration by coating the composition partially or completely in an enteric coating that disintegrates only in the small intestine of a companion animal.

[0160] Clause 51. A microbial composition comprising: at least one strain of a Peptacetobacter felis species; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the microbial composition comprises microbes from one or more of the following P. felis strains: microbes of the strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the Belgian Coordinated Collections of Microorganisms (BCCM) under the accession number LMG P- 33639 or a taxonomic variant thereof having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to LMG P-33639; microbes of the strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33641 having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to LMG P-33641; microbes of the strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33644 having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to LMG P-33644; microbes of the strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P- 33645 having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to LMG P-33645; and / or microbes of the strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM underPCT / US25 / 59753 16 December 2025 (16.12.2025)Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025 the accession number LMG P-33646 having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to LMG P-33646.

[0161] Clause 52. The microbial composition of clause 53, wherein the P.felis microbe or microbes exhibit bile acid 7f> dehydroxylation pathway activity and / or bile acid 7a dehydroxylation pathway activity.

[0162] Clause 53. The microbial composition of clause 53-54, wherein the P. felis microbe or microbes convert cholic acid to deoxy cholic acid and / or convert chenodeoxy cholic acid to lithocholic acid.

[0163] Clause 54. The microbial composition of any of clauses 53-55 for use in the preparation of a veterinary medicant for treating a gastrointestinal condition in an animal.

[0164] Clause 55. A method of increasing bile acid metabolism in an animal, the method comprising administering to the animal the composition of any one of clauses 53-56.

[0165] Clause 56. A method of treating leaky gut in an animal, the method comprising administering to the animal the composition of any one of clauses 53-57.

[0166] Clause 57. The method of any one of clauses 53-58, wherein the animal is feline.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A microbial composition comprising: microbes from at least one strain of P. felis,' and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; wherein the microbes comprise one or more of the following: microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the Belgian Coordinated Collections of Microorganisms (BCCM) under the accession number LMG P-33639 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639; microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33641 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33641; microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33644 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33644; microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645; and microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33646 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33646.

2. The microbial composition of claim 1, wherein the one strain of P. felis is a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645, LMG P-33646, LMG P-33641. LMG P-33639, or LMG P-33644.Attorney Docket No. 117693.000253. The microbial composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the microbes comprise: microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33645 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited w ith the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645; or microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33646 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33646; or microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33639 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample w as deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639; or microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33641 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample w as deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33641; and / or microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33644 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample w as deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33644.

4. A microbial composition comprising P. felis, wherein the P. felis is chosen from at least one deposited at BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639, LMG P- 33641, LMG P-33644, LMG P-33645 or LMG P-33646 and derivatives thereof.

5. A microbial composition consisting of an effective amount of P. felis. wherein the P. felis is as deposited at BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639, LMG P-33641, LMG P-33644, LMG P-33645 and / or LMG P-33646 and derivatives thereof, and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

6. The microbial composition of claim 5, wherein the effective amount of P. felis is at least 100M AFUs per day.Attorney Docket No. 117693.000257. The microbial composition of any of claims 1-6, wherein the composition comprises microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identify (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under two or more of LMG P-33639, LMG P- 33641, LMG P-33644, LMG P-33645 and LMG P-33646 and / or microbes of two or more strains for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639, LMG P-33641. LMG P-33644, LMG P-33645, and / or LMG P-33646.

8. The microbial composition of any of claims 1-7, wherein the composition comprises microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identify (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33639, LMG P-33644, and LMG P-33645 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639, LMG P- 33644, and / or LMG P-33645.

9. The microbial composition of any of claims 1-8, wherein the composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and is formulated for oral administration to a cat.

10. The microbial composition of any of claims 1-9 wherein the composition is formulated as a solid for oral administration by coating the composition partially or completely in an enteric coating that disintegrates only in the small intestine of a cat.

11. The microbial composition of any of claims 1-10, wherein the microbial composition further comprises an effective amount of Saccharomyces boulardii.

12. The microbial composition of claim 11 wherein the effective amount of Saccharomyces boulardii is 1.8B CFUs per day.

13. The composition of any of claims 1-12 for use in the preparation of a veterinary medicant for treating a gastrointestinal condition in a cat.Attorney Docket No. 117693.0002514. A method of improving bile acid metabolism in a cat, the method comprising administering to the cat the microbial composition of any of claims 1-13.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein administering the composition increases conversion of a primary bile acid to a secondary bile acid.

16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein bile acid metabolism is improved via 7a- and / or 7P-dehydroxylation pathways.

17. The method of any of claims 14-16, wherein administering the composition improves efficiency of conversion of chenodeoxy cholic acid to lithocholic acid, and / or improves efficiency of conversion of cholic acid to deoxy cholic acid.

18. A method of making a probiotic composition, the method comprising: growing microbes of at least one strain of P. fel s in contact with a growth medium; isolating P. fells microbes from the growth medium; and combining at least a portion of the isolated P. fells microbes with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; wherein the microbes are chosen from: microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited w ith the Belgian Coordinated Collections of Microorganisms (BCCM) under the accession number LMG P-33639; microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33641; microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33644; microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33645; and / or microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under LMG P-33646.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the probiotic composition comprises microbes of two or more strains of P. fells that w ere grown in a single culture.Attorney Docket No. 117693.0002520. The composition of any of claims 1-3 and 5-6. wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises a solid, optionally maltodextrin or microcrystalline cellulose, or a liquid.

21. The method of any of claims 18-20, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises a solid, optionally maltodextrin or microcrystalline cellulose, or a liquid.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein: microbes of a first strain of P. felis are grown in contact with a first growth medium; microbes of a second strain of P. felis are grown in contact with a second growth medium; at least a portion of the microbes of the first strain of P. felis are isolated from the first growth medium; and at least a portion of the microbes of the second strain of P. felis are isolated from the second growth medium.

23. The method of claim 22. wherein at least a portion of the microbes of the isolated first strain of P. felis is combined with at least a portion of the microbes of the isolated second strain of P. felis,' and the combined microbes of the isolated first strain of P. felis and the isolated second strain of J*, felis are combined with the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein at least a portion of the microbes of the isolated first strain of P. felis are combined with a first pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to form a first intermediate composition; at least a portion of the microbes of the isolated second strain of P. felis are combined with a second pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to form a second intermediate composition; andAttorney Docket No. 117693.00025 at least a portion of the first intermediate composition is combined with at least a portion of the second intermediate composition.

25. The method of any of claims 22-24, wherein the first growth medium is different than the second growth medium.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the first pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is different than the second pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

27. A method of treating dysbiosis in a cat, the method comprising: administering an effective amount of a probiotic composition comprising at least one strain of P. felis and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier: w herein the administration of the effective amount of the probiotic composition increases conversion of primary bile acids to secondary bile acids relative to an untreated control animal.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the administration increases conversion by increasing 7a- and / or 7p-dehydroxylation activity.

29. The method of any of claims 27-28, wherein the administration increases fecal microbiome diversity, optionally as measured by the Shannon Index, of the cat.

30. A method of any of claims 27-29, wherein the administration increases abundance of taxa associated with gastrointestinal homeostasis.

31. The method of any of claims 27-30, wherein the administration increases the abundance of one or more of: Phocaeicola, Blautia, Enterocloster , Oscillibacter, Bacierotcles. Enterococcus lactis, Peptacetobacter felis, and Sellimonas intestinalis.

32. The method of any of claims 27-31, wherein the administration reduces smallchain fatty acid (SCFA) production.Attorney Docket No. 117693.0002533. The method of any of claims 27-32, wherein the strain of P. felis attenuates inflammation-induced epithelial permeability and / or maintains epithelial barrier properties.

34. The method of any of claims 27-33, wherein the administration decreases symptoms of leaky gut.

35. The method of any of claims 27-34, wherein the administration increases P. felis relative abundance and / or reduces Streptococcus bovis abundance.

36. The method of any of claims 27-35, wherein the strain of P. fells does not have antibiotic resistance genes.

37. The method of any of claims 27-36, wherein the strain of P. felis possesses Vitamin B metabolism or Vitamin A metabolism pathways.

38. The method of any of claims 27-37, wherein the strain of P. felis produces indole when supplemented with tryptophan.

39. The method of any of claims 27-38, wherein the effective amount of the probiotic composition comprises 100M AFU per day of the at least one strain of P. felis.

40. The method of any of claims 27-39, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier comprises a solid or a liquid, and the probiotic composition is formulated for oral administration.

41. The method of any of claims 27-40, wherein the composition comprises microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited at BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639 and / or to SEQ ID NOs. 1-199, and / or microbes of a strain for w hich a representative sample w as deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639 and / or microbes of the isolate ABCS00032 and derivatives thereof.Attorney Docket No. 117693.0002542. The method of any of claims 27-40, wherein the composition comprises microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited at BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33644 and / or to SEQ ID NOs: 392- 623 , and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33644 and / or microbes of the isolate ABCS00802 and derivatives thereof.

43. The method of any of claims 27-40, wherein the composition comprises microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited at BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645 and / or to SEQ ID NOs: 624- 852, and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645 and / or microbes of the isolate ABCS00805 and derivatives thereof.

44. The method of any of claims 27-40, wherein the composition comprises microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes of any of isolate ABCS0810, ABCS0812, ABCS0176, ABCS0032, ABCS0811, ABCS00807, ABCS0802, ABCS0803, ABCS0804, ABCS0801, ABCS0299, ABCS0283, ABCS0408, ABCS0207. ABCS0403, ABCS0213, ABCS0800, ABCS0805, ABCS0808, and / or ABCS0806, and derivatives thereof.

45. A probiotic composition comprising:(a) purified and lyophilized P. felis microbes comprising: microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645; and / or microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33646 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33646; and / or microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639 and / orAttorney Docket No. 117693.00025 microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639; and / or microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33641 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33641; and / or microbes having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33644 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33644; and(b) one or more carriers suitable for cat administration; wherein the P. felis microbes are in an amount effective to improve one or more traits in a cat administered the composition.

46. The probiotic composition of claim 45, wherein: the purified and lyophilized P. felis microbes comprise: microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645; and / or microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33646 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33646; and / or microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33639; and / or microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33641 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33641; and / or microbes having at least 98.4% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to microbes deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33644Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025 and / or microbes of a strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33644.

47. The probiotic composition of claim 45 or 46, wherein the microbes comprise nucleic acid sequences having at least 99.2% sequence identity7to any of SEQ ID NOs: 1-199; 200-391; 392-623; 624-852; and 853-1031.

48. The probiotic composition of any of claims 45-47, wherein the composition comprises at least 10, at least 102, at least 103, at least 104, at least 105, at least 106, at least 107. at least 108, at least 109, at least IO10, at least 1011, at least 1012, at least 1013, at least 1014, at least 1015. at least 1016, at least 1017, or at least 1018CFUs / ml of the P. felis microbes.

49. The probiotic composition of any of claims 45-48, wherein the carrier is chosen from microcrystalline cellulose or maltodextrin.

50. The probiotic composition of any of claims 45-49 wherein the composition is formulated as a solid for oral administration by coating the composition partially or completely in an enteric coating that disintegrates only in the small intestine of a companion animal.

51. A microbial composition comprising: at least one strain of a Peptacetobacter felis species; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the microbial composition comprises microbes from one or more of the following P. felis strains: microbes of the strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the Belgian Coordinated Collections of Microorganisms (BCCM) under the accession number LMG P-33639 or a taxonomic variant thereof having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to LMG P-33639; microbes of the strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33641 having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to LMG P-33641;Attorney Docket No. 117693.00025 microbes of the strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33644 having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to LMG P-33644; microbes of the strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33645 having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to LMG P-33645; and / or microbes of the strain for which a representative sample was deposited with the BCCM under the accession number LMG P-33646 having at least 98% average nucleotide identity (ANI) to LMG P-33646.

52. The microbial composition of claim 53, wherein the / < felis microbe or microbes exhibit bile acid 7 dehydroxylation pathway activity and / or bile acid 7a dehydroxylation pathway activity.

53. The microbial composition of claim 53-54, wherein the P. felis microbe or microbes convert cholic acid to deoxy cholic acid and / or convert chenodeoxy cholic acid to lithocholic acid.

54. The microbial composition of any of claims 53-55 for use in the preparation of a veterinary medicant for treating a gastrointestinal condition in an animal.

55. A method of increasing bile acid metabolism in an animal, the method comprising administering to the animal the composition of any one of claims 53-56.

56. A method of treating leaky gut in an animal, the method comprising administering to the animal the composition of any one of claims 53-57.

57. The method of any one of claims 53-58, wherein the animal is feline.

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