In a randomised trial comparing two different bacterial nasal spray infusions with placebo in 60 children who had longstanding secretory otitis media, 7 of 19 given Streptococcus sanguinis had clinical improvement.  Here.

Now that is interesting, isn’t it?  If I read this correctly, these were all patients on the verge of getting ventilation tubes.  And more than a third of the patients given the Strep sanguinis nasal spray got better, obviating the need for a surgical procedure.  The authors are unable to come up with a biological mechanism.  And there are some complex stats in table 2 of the full text which to be honest I can’t follow fully.  It is, however, a startling outcome.  Obviously this is just a preliminary study – how many of them will get worse again, etc etc.  But perhaps another role for probiotics.  Incidentally, I’ve not yet read about any harm from antibiotics – except, of course, to the purse or wallet.  Anyone?