ASSESSMENT OF MICROBIAL AND PARASITIC CONTAMINATION ON NIGERIAN CURRENCY NOTES AT NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA NIGERIA

Abstract

Background: The pervasive use of currency notes in daily transactions makes them a potential vector for microbial contamination. Despite this there remains a notable lack of comprehensive studies specifically addressing the extent and types of microbial contamination present on Nigerian currency.

Aim: This study evaluated the bacterial and parasitic contamination of Nigerian currency notes at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Method: A cross-sectional study design was employed for this research. Currency notes were gathered from various locations on campus. A total of 70 samples of Nigerian currency notes were randomly collected. Samples were prepared for bacterial culture by swabbing with sterile saline moistened cotton swabs. Bacteria were cultured on Salmonella Shigella media, incubated, and analysed for colony characteristics. Remaining samples underwent microscopic examination for protozoan parasites after centrifugation and resuspension.

Result: The identified protozoan parasites included Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli, and Enterobius vermicularis, with contamination rates of 35.7%, 57.1%, and 7.1%, respectively. Statistical analysis indicated no significant association between parasite species and overall prevalence (P = 0.06). Bacterial isolates included Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., and Escherichia coli, with prevalence rates of 50%, 25%, and 25%, respectively, and no significant association between bacterial species and prevalence (P = 0.4). Notably, polymer notes (10 to 50 naira) exhibited a 0.00% contamination rate, while paper notes showed varying prevalence: 35.7% for 100 naira, 28.6% for 200 naira, 14.3% for 500 naira, and 21.4% for 1000 naira. A significant association was found between currency denomination and prevalence (P = 0.01). Furthermore, the physical condition of the notes influenced contamination levels, with mutilated notes demonstrating the highest contamination rate (22.97± 4.51%). However, no significant association (P = 0.2).

Conclusion: The findings underscore the potential health risks posed by contaminated currency and highlight the need for public awareness and hygiene measures.