Original Research Paper

Prevalence of Pathogenic microorganisms on Indian currency notes collected from Gondia district of Maharashtra

  Abstract :

Currency notes represent a universal medium for the transmission of bacteria in the environment and among humans. Paper currency notes are used to exchange goods and services and the circulation from one individual to another which potentially spreads microorganisms. The present study aimed to isolate and identify the level of contamination by microbial pathogens and the possible disease risk associated with of the Indian currency notes. The potentially pathogenic bacteria found on these Indian currency notes, are E. coli, S. aureus, Proteus sp., Klebsiella sp. Pseudomonas and streptococcus which may cause a wide variety of diseases through food poisoning, wound, skin infections, respiratory and gastrointestinal problems to life-threatening diseases such as meningitis and septicaemia. Considering our findings, it seems that the disinfection of currency in banks by ultraviolet light, supersonic, and chemicals means, would decrease the risk of transmission of infection. Replacement of the traditional methods of trading with electronic money transactions would of course be another good solution for the problem.

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