Impact of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii on Clostridium difficile

In the human microbiome, commensal bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing the overgrowth of pathogenic organisms. Two specific bacterial species, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Clostridium difficile, are particularly noteworthy.

Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a member of the Firmicutes phylum, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) during dietary fiber fermentation. Conversely, Clostridium difficile is a pathogenic bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal disease, often after antibiotic usage disrupts normal gut flora.

Understanding the relationship between commensal and pathogenic bacteria is essential in developing treatment strategies for gut-related diseases. Considering their metabolic pathways and interactions, which statement correctly illustrates the impact of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii on Clostridium difficile colonization and disease severity?