The disclosure provides microbial compositions (e.g., compositions comprising one or more microbes or protein components thereof), that can be administered to subjects to confer beneficial effects. Disclosed compositions can, for example, be useful in reducing visceral hypersensitivity, or pain in response to colorectal distension.

The disclosure relates to a mixture of bacteria belonging to at least six or seven different and specific bacterial species preferably for use in preventing or treating gastro-intestinal disorders. Preferably, the mixture of bacteria is grown together in a fermenter prior to administering the mixture to a subject in order to prevent or treat the disorder.