Evaluation of Microbial Contaminants and Antibiogram of Nigerian Paper Currency Notes (Naira) Circulation in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

A total of 160 mutilated Naira notes of 8 different denominations were randomly sampled from different occupational groups in Gwagwalada and analyzed for the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, which were subsequently screened for their antibiotic resistance status. The results revealed highest prevalence for Bacillus species (27.1%), Streptococcus species was seconded with prevalence of (18.8%), Staphylococcus species was (5.1%), and Clostridium species (1.9%) while E. coli was least (1.4%).  Contamination based on the occupational groups was higher for the meat and fish sellers than the other groups.  Bacterial counts for the different denominations revealed highest counts for N5 notes (1.59 x 10⁵) and lowest count was for N1000 notes (1.43 x 10²). Statistical findings indicated the level of association between naira notes and contamination of microorganisms. Susceptibility studies revealed that Staphylococcus and Streptococcus isolates were all resistant to all the six antimicrobial agents used; while Bacillus species and E. coli were susceptible to tetracycline and penicillin but were resistant to Ampicillin, Streptomycin, Gentamicin and Erythromycin. The Clostridium species were susceptible to Erythromycin but resistant to other drugs used. Our study suggested that the Nigerian paper currency is contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms which could be involved in the transmission of diseases such as meningitis, diarrhea, respiratory syndromes and skin infections. It is important to routinely screen our currency notes for microorganisms and determine their susceptibility to commonly used antimicrobial agents. This is necessary to safeguard public health and control the likelihood of spread of disease to man.

Key words: Contaminants, Antibiogram, Naira, Evaluation.