Isolation And Identification Of Microorganisms On Naira Notes Associated With Fish Sellers In Umuahia.

ABSTRACT

Nigeria naira notes obtained from different markets in Umuahia were analyzed microbiologically for evidence of microbial contamination using standard procedures. The results revealed 45 (90%) of the 50 samples analyzed were contaminated by bacteria and fungi. 60% of the notes were contaminated with bacteria and 30% with fungi, mostly from lower denomination. Four different bacteria species were isolated: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coil, Enterobacter sp, Streptococcus sp and four genera of fungi isolated: Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sp., Mucor sp. and Aspergillus sp. The identified microorganisms have pathogenic potential and hence their presence on such surface could serve as a source of cross- transmission of bacterial and fungal infection to marketers and the general coumunity. 85% of the isolates were sensitivity to the broad reaction spectrum to Erythromycin, Cotrimozazole, Chloramphenicol, and Augmentin. The fungi isolates also showed resistance to different concentration of ketoconazole, (400mg/ml, 200mg/ml and 100mg/ml), Mycoten used (500mg/mi, 250mg/ml and 125mg/ml). Zone of inhibition observed with the fungal isolate that is susceptible to those antifungal agents is <15. The occurrence of these different of microorganisms on naira notes can constitute a potential health danger and the chances contracting infection are enhance by the non- withdrawal of dirty and mutilated money from circulation.