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.