Research Journal of Medical Sciences
Bacterial Contaminants of Nigerian Currency Notes and Associated Risk Factors
Authors : Adamu James Yazah, Jairus Yusuf and Ameh James Agbo
Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of bacterial
contaminants in Nigerian currency notes that are in circulation in Northern
Nigeria and associated risk factors. A total of 160 different Naira notes in
circulation were randomly sampled for bacterial isolation. About 250 structured
questionnaires were also issued to the public and 20 restaurants were randomly
visited with the view of identifying possible risk factors associated with Naira
note contamination. The genera of bacteria isolated included Staphylococcus
sp. (22.5%), Escherichia coli (12.5%), Pseudomonas sp. (6.25%),
Klebsiella sp. (5%), Streptococcus sp. (3.75%) and Proteus
sp. (2.5%). The 
100 and 20 notes were more contaminated while
50 and 5 notes did note yield any bacterial contaminant. The result also showed
that 33.8% of the paper notes were contaminated as compared with 18.8% of the
polymer notes (p<0.05). The questionnaire survey showed a high preference
to the polymer notes (58.5%) as compared with 13% of the paper notes (p<0.05).
About 87.8% of the respondents use either wallets or purses to keep their money
while 80.5% were of the opinion that the Naira gets abused and subsequently
contaminated through spraying and subsequent trampling upon during ceremonies,
use of saliva or unclean water to wet the fingers while counting money during
business transactions were possible risk factors in Naira contamination. Among
the restaurants visited, 45% do not have standard cashiers that handle money
matters alone. It was concluded that the Naira notes in circulation in Northern
Nigeria may serve as a vehicle for the transmission of potentially pathogenic
microorganisms and poor money-handling culture contributes to transmission of
these microorganisms. Hygienic handling of money is therefore stressed.
How to cite this article:
Adamu James Yazah, Jairus Yusuf and Ameh James Agbo, 2012. Bacterial Contaminants of Nigerian Currency Notes and Associated Risk Factors. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 6: 1-6.