Microbial Profile of Egyptian Currency

Background: Currency notes and coins are widely exchanged for goods and services in countries worldwide. Currency is handled by a large number of people, under a variety of personal and environmental conditions thus increase the possibility of acting as environmental vehicle for transmission of potential pathogenic microorganisms. Objectives: This study aimed to isolate microorganisms that may be carried by Egyptian currency (paper & coins), determine the antibiotic sensitivity of the isolated bacteria and detect unusual modes of transmission of certain common diseases. Methodology: Money samples of different denominations were collected from different places (120 samples: 60 paper money and 60 metal coins).Twenty samples were collected from each place. Paper money and coins were collected in sterile plastic bags using sterile gloves and the bags were labeled. Results: Nine bacterial species were isolated; Coagulase negative staphylococci (48.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (46.7%), Bacillus spp. (30%), E.coli (10.0%), Klebsiella pneumonia (9.2%), Pseudomonas auroginosa (8.3%), Acinetobacter bumannii (7.5%), Enterococcus fecalis (3.3%), Acid fast bacilli (1.7%). And 5 fungal species were isolated; Candida albicans (38.3%), Aspergillus niger (25%), Aspergillus fumigatus (21.7%), Cryptococcus (10.8% )and Penicillium (5.8%).This study revealed the presence of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria on Egyptian currency as(MRSA) (35.7%) and (VRSA) (25%) of the total isolated Staph.aureus, (MRSE ) (34.5%) and (VRSE) (17.2%) of the total isolated Staph.epidermides and (VRE) (50%)of the total Enterococcus fecalis isolated . Conclusion: Egyptian paper currency and coins are highly contaminated and must be considered as an unusual mode of transmission of several bacteria and fungi.