Tympanic membrane temperature during experimental otitis media due to Streptococcus pneumoniae in chinchillas.

The relationship between tympanic membrane temperature and acute purulent otitis media was investigated using thermistor probes to measure surface temperature of the tympanic membrane in chinchillas with experimental unilateral otitis media due to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Sedated animals were kept on a thermally insulated surface during the procedure to avoid hypothermia. Although the animals' core temperature rose during middle ear infection, direct measurement of tympanic membrane temperature did not show a significant difference between the infected and uninfected contralateral ears.