ABSTRACT

This study was to enlighten the entire populace of the inherent risk that naira notes carry by being a universal medium for the transfer of harmful pathogenic organisms. A total eight (8) denominations of Naira notes (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 Naira notes) were obtained at strategic points within Umuahia metropolis. These naira note samples were cultured on Mannitol Salt Agar using a pour plate technique. From the result of this study, a total of thirty four (36) bacteria isolates were isolated and identified as five (5) different bacteria species which included; Staphylococcus aureus 12(33.33%), E. coli 9(25.0%), Bacillus spp 7(19.44%), Enterobacter aerogenes 5(13.88%) and Micrococcus species 3(8.33%). These bacteria species were identified using biochemical tests, morphological characteristics, gram reactions and colony counts. The result from this study revealed that the lower denominations (₦5, ₦10, ₦20, ₦50, ₦100 and ₦200) had the highest microbial counts than the higher denominations (₦500, ₦1000). The reasons for this might be that the lower denominations are frequently exchanged and handled in petty and daily monetary transactions. The result of this study also showed that Staphylococcus aureus was widely distributed on the Naira notes amongst the various categories of individuals selected for the study, with 1000 naira having the highest prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus amongst the various individuals. Most of the bacteria encountered are members of the human flora. This suggests that humans are the major source of bacteria on Naira notes. . It is important that currency should not be stored in the wrong places like private parts shoes or stocks during usage to reduce the level of contamination of microorganisms of notes which is transferred from person to person and also butchers or meat sellers should not keep money on their work bench and wash their apron regularly.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page     i

Certification iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgement v

Table of Contents vi

List of Tables vii

Abstract x

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Aim of Study 4

1.2 Objective of Study 4

1.3 Study Hypothesis 4

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review 5

2.1 The Organism Staphylococcus aureus 5

2.1.1 Pathogenicity /Toxicity 6

2.1.2 Mode of Transmission 7

2.1.3 Mode of Reproduction 7

2.1.4 Virulent Factors 7

2.2 Role of Staphylococcus aureus in Causing Disease 9

2.2.1 Antibiotics Resistance and Sensitivity 10

2.3 Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus 11

CHAPTER THREE

3.1 Materials and Methods 13

3.2 Study Area 13

3.2 Sample Collection 13

3.3 Preparation of Samples 13

3.3.1 Serial Dilution 13

3.3.2 Sterilization Method 14

3.4 Isolation of Bacteria from Collected Samples 14

3.4.1 Gram Staining Techniques 14

3.5 Biochemical Analysis 15

3.5.1 Oxidase Test 15

3.5.2 Catalase Test 16

3.5.3 Motility Test 16

3.5.4 Indole Test 16

3.5.5 Citrate Utilization Test 16

3.5.6 Coagulase Test 16

3.5.7 Urease Test 17

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Results 19

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendations 25

5.1 Discussion 25

5.2 Conclusion 26

5.3 Recommendations 27

References