Prevalence and public health significance of parasite cysts and eggs on the Nigerian currency

Microbial contamination of currency counting machines and counting room environment in selected commercial banks

“…the Nigerian environment presents a particular risk to public health since communicable diseases can be spread through contact with fomites (Hosen et al, 2002;Xu et al, 2005;Basavuvapappa and Suresh, 2005;Ogbu and Uneke, 2007;Lalonde, 2007;Umeh et al, 2007). Microbial contamination of naira notes could also be from several sources, it could be from the counting machine, atmosphere, during storage, usage, handling or production (Awodi et al, 2000). Daily transactions have made the naira to pass through many hands and pathogens become imposed on them before they are finally deposited in banks (Umeh et al, 2007).…”

“…Parasites that have been observed to be contaminants of the naira notes are mainly of faecal origin (Awodi et al, 2000). When hands used in cleaning up the anus after passing out faeces are not properly washed and are used to touch the naira note in anyway, the tendency is contamination with the trophozoite of the developed parasite, eggs, cysts or even the oocyst.…”

Prevalence and public health implications of the microbial load of abused Naira notes

“…The abused Naira note denotes the currency, which had been fairly long (not more than 24 months) in circulation, mishandled, structurally disfigured, literally mutilated and for most of the time they are dirty. Incidentally, abused Naira notes were reported as vehicles of bacterial, mold and other parasitic infections and agents of cross contamination (Jolaoso, 1981;Awodi et al, 2001;Itoda, 2001). Studies from other parts of world (Shukla, 1980;Oyler et al, 1996;Pachter et al, 1997;Havas, 2000) have also shown that bank notes revealed the presence of high load of germs, which could cause tuberculosis, meningitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, peptic ulcers, genital tract infections, gastro-intestinal tract infections and lung diseases.…”

Bacterial contaminations of Iraqi Currencies collected from Duhok City, Iraq

“…Daily transactions have made the naira note to pass through many hands and pathogens become imposed on them before they are finally deposited in banks. 1 The contaminated currency notes go in circulation and contaminate the hands of others, transmitting microorganisms in the process. 2 Currency and coins are important items most frequently passing from hand to hand; during its passing and counting currencies gets contaminated with normal flora and pathogens from the skin, respiratory secretions, gastrointestinal tract, water, soil and aerosols.…”