RESUMO
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