Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of contamination of Iraqi bank notes with pathogenic bacteria and other microorganisms. Paper currency and coins can be considered as active sources of some human pathogens were possibility combined with the contaminated food and could lead to spread of microbial infection. In this study some pathogenic bacteria and fungi were isolated from the sample of currencies (250, 1000 IQD and Coins). Over all (40) samples were collected randomly. All samples were tested for bacteria and fungi detections, the percentage of isolated bacteria and fungi depended on the percentage of growth in 1000 IQD. The percent of isolated bacteria E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, fungi Staphylococcus. epidermidis, Klebsiella. oxytoca and Pseudomonas. spp were found (33.30%, 26.60, 26.60, 13.30, 13.30, 13,30) respectively. The percent of fungi and bacteria isolated from 250 IQD for Staphylococcus. aureus Pseudomonas. spp, E. coli, Staphylococcus. Epidermidis and fungi were found (33.30, 33.30, 26.40, 26.40, 13.30%) respectively. The percent of isolated bacteria and fungi that were growth on coins were different from the paper notes (1000 and 250 IQD). Ten percent of these samples were no bacteria or fungi growth isolated, while growth for E. coli isolated were (20%), for Proteus spp (20%), Klebsiella. Oxytoca (20%), no growth (10%), Pseudomonas. spp, (10%) and fungi (5%). For all isolated bacteria ten antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed including (Amikacin AK Ampicillin Amp, Ampicillin Amx Cephalosporin Cef, Ciprofloxacin Cip, Gentamycin Gm., Rifampicin Rif, Nalidixic Acid (NA), Tetracycline Tet and Trimethoprim Tri), In this study multiple antibiotic resistance were seen.

Keywords:

Antibiotic resistance, bank notes, contaminated currency, Iraqi currency, isolated bacteria,

References

Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

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The authors have no competing interests.