Correlation of Infrared Thermography vs. Rectal Body Temperature Measurements in Baboons (Papio spp.)

Abstract: One of the most clinically relevant and objective physiologic parameters is body temperature. Traditional methods for measuring body temperature in non-human primates may require sedation, physical, or mechanical restraint which can alter results.

The objective of this study was to compare body surface temperature using infrared thermography (IRT) with rectal temperatures using standard medical thermometers. In conjunction with another study requiring general anesthesia of time-mated baboons, eight adults and six of their newborn offspring were examined on multiple occasions by simultaneously recording rectal body temperatures and body surface temperature using a hand held IRT camera.

All paired measurements were compared using linear regression analysis. The results showed a statistically significant correlation between IRT and rectal thermometer temperatures. The most consistent body temperature recordings using IRT were from non-haired anatomical regions (face, sex skin). IRT is a noninvasive and accurate method for measuring body temperature in adult baboons and should be considered as an alternative to traditional methods.

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Reference: Sullivan, R., & Schlabritz-Loutsevitch, N., & Mandrell, T. (2014). Correlation of infrared thermography vs. rectal body temperature measurements in baboons (papio spp.). 10.13140/RG.2.2.31548.56969.