Pneumococcal Colonization and Otitis Media: Streptococcus salivarius as a Probiotic Inhibitor

Abstract

Objectives:Nasopharyngeal colonization is the initial step in pathogenesis of pneumococcal diseases, including otitis media. Previous studies suggested that Streptococcus salivarius, a commercial probiotic, could be a potential pharyngeal probiotic. We investigated the effects of S salivarius on pneumococcal colonization and otitis media by in vitro and in vivo models of infection and colonization pattern of S salivarius by pilot study.Methods:Descriptive study conducted at Melbourne University and Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne from 2011 to 2013. High, medium, or low numbers of S salivarius were added before, with, or after pneumococcal administration to human epithelial (C..