Microbial Profile of Egyptian Currency

Abstract

Background : Currency notes and coins are widely exchanged for goods and services in countries worldwide. Currency is handled by a large number of people, under a variety of personal and environmental conditions thus increase the possibility of acting as environmental vehicle for transmission of potential pathogenic microorganisms Objectives : This study aimed to isolate microorganisms that may be carried by Egyptian currency [paper and coins] , determine the antibiotic sensitivity of the isolated bacteria and detect unusual modes of transmission of certain common diseases Methodology : Money samples of different denominations were collected from different places [120 samples : 60 paper money and 60 metal coins] . Twenty samples were collected from each place. Paper money and coins were collected in sterile plastic bags using sterile gloves and the bags were labeled Results : Nine bacterial species were isolated; Coagulase negative staphylococci [48.3%] , Staphylococcus aureus [46.7%] , Bacillus spp. [30%] , E. coli [10.0%] , Klebsiellapneumonia [9.2%] , Pseudomonasauroginosa [8.3%] , Acinetobacterbumannii [7.5%] , Enterococcus fecalis [3.3%] , Acid fast bacilli [1.7%] . And 5 fungal species were isolated; Candidaalbicans [38.3%] , Aspergillusniger [25%] , Aspergillusfumigatus [21.7%] , Cryptococcus [10.8%] and Penicillium [5.8%] . This study revealed the presence of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria on Egyptian currency as [MRSA] [35.7%] and [VRSA] [25%] of the total isolated Staph. aureus, [MRSE] [34.5%] and [VRSE] [17.2%] of the total isolated Staph. epidermidesand [VRE] [50%] of the total Enterococcus fecalis isolated Conclusion : Egyptian paper currency and coins are highly contaminated and must be considered as an unusual mode of transmission of several bacteria and fungi.