International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: David Mark Abayomi, Jibrin Mariam Ojoma, Sanusi Moridiat Omowunmi, Balogun Segun
Abstract: Currency notes are high-touch fomites that facilitate the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms in communities (Vriesekoop et al., 2010). In Nigeria, the Naira notes circulate extensively in informal markets, transportation, and food vending, posing significant public health risks (Oladejo et al., 2021). This study aimed to assess the level and types of bacterial contamination on Naira notes in circulation in Idah, Kogi State, and to evaluate the associated public health implications. A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2024. A total of 200 Naira notes of various denominations (N50, N100, N200, N500, N1000) were randomly collected from five high-contact locations: markets, motor parks, supermarkets, food vendors, and hospitals. Sterile swab samples from each note were cultured on Blood Agar, MacConkey Agar, and Mannitol Salt Agar. Bacterial isolates were identified using standard microbiological and biochemical techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. All 200 notes (100%) showed bacterial growth. A total of 415 bacterial isolates were identified. The most prevalent organisms were Staphylococcus aureus (32.3%), Escherichia coli (28.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.5%), and Salmonella spp. (8.2%). Notes collected from hospitals and markets showed the highest microbial load and diversity. Antibiotic resistance was high, with 67.4% of S. aureus isolates being Methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and 58.3% of E. coli isolates showing resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. Conclusion: Naira notes in circulation in Idah are heavily contaminated with pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, representing a significant vector for community-acquired infections. There is an urgent need for public health education on hand hygiene after handling money, alongside the exploration of antimicrobial materials for future currency production and policies promoting digital transactions to reduce physical note handling (Adeniran et al., 2022).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18426882
