# Check number of markers for a particular bacterial species

**URL:** <https://forum.biobakery.org/t/check-number-of-markers-for-a-particular-bacterial-species/2394>\
**Category:** StrainPhlAn\
**Created:** [July 20, 2021, 2:13pm UTC](https://forum.biobakery.org/t/check-number-of-markers-for-a-particular-bacterial-species/2394 "2021-07-20T14:13:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Jeffrey\_Chiu](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.biobakery.org/jeffrey_chiu/32/637_2.png) [@Jeffrey\_Chiu](https://forum.biobakery.org/u/Jeffrey_Chiu)\
**Post date:** [July 20, 2021, 2:13pm UTC](https://forum.biobakery.org/t/check-number-of-markers-for-a-particular-bacterial-species/2394/1 "2021-07-20T14:13:19Z")

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Hi there,

Is there a way to find out how many markers are used in the metaphlan database to profile the strains of a bacterial species. For example, I am investigating E coli strains. How many E coli markers are used in the database to discern E coli strains?

Best,  
JC

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**Author:** ![aitor.blancomiguez](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex027/user_avatar/forum.biobakery.org/aitor.blancomiguez/32/86_2.png) [@aitor.blancomiguez](https://forum.biobakery.org/u/aitor.blancomiguez)\
**Post date:** [July 22, 2021, 1:49pm UTC](https://forum.biobakery.org/t/check-number-of-markers-for-a-particular-bacterial-species/2394/2 "2021-07-22T13:49:00Z")

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Hi @Jeffrey_Chiu  
When you run StrainPhlAn, a `s__*Species_name*.info` file will be created describing the number of markers for your species in the metaphlan database and the number of markers used to reconstruct your phylogeny (between other info).

Best,  
Aitor