Bacteria identification of otitis media with fluorescence spectroscopy

We have investigated the fluorescence profiles of four common pathogens: S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, M. catarrhalis, and H. influenzae. The steady‐state auto fluorescence spectra of bacteria are measured as a function of the incident light from 200 to 700 nm. The spectra for each bacterium are combined into a fluorescence profile or fluorescence finger print. Each bacterium produces a unique in vitro fluorescence profile when measured in a saline suspension. The profiles are reproducible. Suspensions of a bacterial strain, where the identification is not known, can be correctly matched to a small library of previously measured fluorescence profiles using a linear least‐squares fitting algorithm. In addition, we have measured the fluorescence and absorption spectrum of the tympanic membrane removed from a chinchilla. The optical properties of the tympanic membrane and the least‐squares identification process form precept for a non‐invasive, fluorescence based bacterial diagnosis technique to be used in otitis media. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.