Paenibacillus is a genus originallt included within the genus Bacillus and than reclassified as a seperate genus in 1993.
The name reflects: Latin paene means almost, so paenibacilli are literally "almost bacilli".

Taxonomy
Family: Bacillaceae

Natural habitats
Ubiquitous in nature

Clinical significance
P. chibensis is rarely associated with human infections but has been reported as an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals.
It can cause infections such as
- bacteremia
- wound infections
although such cases are uncommon.
The clinical significance of P. chibensis remains limited, but it should be considered in atypical infections in vulnerable patients.
They could cause allergies as a result of its histamine producing properties