Influence of Job Occupation on the Bacterial Contamination of Currency Notes in Circulation

Authors

  • Asikra M. Umoru university of maiduguri
  • Muhammad M. Ibrahim University of Maiduguri
  • Isyaka M. Tom
  • Jidda B. Umar
  • Abdullahi Aliyu

Keywords:

Contamination, Currency, Occupation, Nigeria

Abstract

Analysis of the role played by different job occupations in relation to bacterial contamination of currency notes in circulation was conducted at the University of Maiduguri main campus from March 2014 to April 2014. The study was aimed at identifying the extent of contamination of the notes in circulation, and to determine if job occupation has an influence in the bacterial contamination of currency notes, which serve as a medium of exchange. A total of 108 samples of the Nigerian currency note (Naira: N) of the following denominations; N5, N10, N20, N50, N100 and N200, were randomly collected from six (6) occupational groups namely: Fish/Meat sellers, Restaurant operators, Traders, Taxi drivers, Students and Banks. Samples were processed for bacterial isolation. 29 out of 108 samples yielded bacterial growth which gives a total recovery rate of 27%. Currency note with the highest contamination was N50 (24.1%), followed by N10 (17.2%), N100 (17.2%), N200 (17.2%), N20 (14%) and N5 (10.3%). Organisms isolated from the currency notes in descending order of prevalence include Staphylococcus spp (24.1%), Streptococcus spp (24.1%), Escherichia coli (17.2%), Klebsiella spp (13.8%), Enterobacter spp (10.3%), Pseudomonas spp (3.45%), Coliform bacteria (3.45%), and Candida spp (3.45%). Occupational group with the highest currency note contamination rate was Restaurant operators (31%), followed by Traders (24%), Fish/Meat sellers (21%), Taxi drivers (14%), Bank (7%) and Students (3%). N50 note collected from restaurant operators recorded the highest contamination rate of 14%. A significant relationship has been observed between occupation and level of contamination. We advocate that proper standards of hygiene should be observed to avoid contamination, and onward transmission of these pathogens.

 

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Published

2015-04-25

How to Cite

Umoru, A. M., Ibrahim, M. M., Tom, I. M., Umar, J. B., & Aliyu, A. (2015). Influence of Job Occupation on the Bacterial Contamination of Currency Notes in Circulation. Asian Journal of Applied Sciences, 3(2). Retrieved from https://www.ajouronline.com/index.php/AJAS/article/view/2514

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2015): April 2015

Section

Articles

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