Microbiological Evaluation Of Naira Notes Handled By Fish Sellers In Umuahia Metropolis

ABSTRACT

Money is used as a medium for exchange for goods and services, settlement of debts and for deferred payments in economic activities. Naira is the legal tender in Nigeria (Ogha. 2007). ]'he naira note is a mixture of 75% cotton and 23% linen (Brad\ and Kelly. 200(i). In Nigeria. the naira notes presently in circulation are abused by squcezine staplinu. ccllolapinn and writings on them (Ameh and Balogun, 1997). The contamination of the naira notes could he from several sources. it could be from the atmosphere. during storage. usage. handlinu or production (Ogba, 2007). 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 (Awodi et of., 2000). The contaminated currency notes go in circulation and contaminate the hands of others, transmitting microorganisms in the process (Adelowo. I 09(t). Naira notes hardly last t'or more than one year owing to poor or negative money handling practices like spraying during ceremonies where such notes may be trampled upon when they fall on the ground (Awei et cii.. 2010). Damaged. soiled or cellotaped naira notes are referred to as mutilated naira notes (Brady and Kelly. 2000).