FIG 4.

Inhibition of upper respiratory tract and classic and suspected otopathogens by 7 S. salivarius isolates, as measured through the spot assay method. Isolates were compared to S. salivarius 24SMB and S. oralis 89a, isolated from the Rinogermina probiotic nasal spray, and Hextril mouthwash (0.1% hexetidine) served as a positive control. For each pathobiont, the tested isolates are sorted from smallest (left) to largest (right) mean inhibition zone diameter. Statistical comparison of inhibition zones was performed with 0.1% hexetidine as a reference. ns, P > 0.05; *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001; ****, P < 0.0001.