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American Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology

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A Study of Bacterial Contamination on Libyan Paper Banknotes in Circulation

American Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
Vol.3 , No. 1, Publication Date: Mar. 2, 2016, Page: 1-6

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Authors

[1]	Mohamed M. Elemam, Department of Conservative, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya.
[2]	Abdulgader Dhawi, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya.
[3]	Mahmoud Ben Shaban, Department of Food Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya.
[4]	Khaled Dahmani, Department of Microbiology, Biotechnology Research Center, Tripoli, Libya.

Abstract

Paper currency is one of the potential vectors to transmit diseases, since banknotes continuously pass through different hands, as a medium of exchange, which increases the possibility of transferring pathogenic microorganisms and thus cross contamination. This study was carried out on one hundred and ninety-eight paper currency notes that were collected randomly in the city of Tripoli, Libya, from different communities namely, petrol and gas stations, supermarkets, mini markets, cafeterias and fast food restaurants, etc. The samples consist of four pieces, each of currency (Dirham) denominations (250, 500, 1.000 and 5.000 notes). Conventional and current microbiological techniques were used in order to isolate and identify the species of microorganisms that resulted in the following percentages: Enterobacter agglomerans 19%, Pseudomonas spp. 16%, S. aureus, Enterobacter cloacae 11%, Klebsiella pneumonia 11% and E. coli 10%. These results indicate that Libyan banknotes are commonly contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, which have the possibility of spreading human diseases. Higher denomination currency showed lower contamination. Consequently, great care should be taken during the handling of money for the safety of human health.

Keywords

Banknotes, Contamination, Dirham, Paper Currency, Pathogenic Microorganisms

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