Authors : Kehinde C. Mofolorunsho, Victor O. Obaje, Ruth F. Aminu, Olabisi O. Olowonibi and Hannah O. Ocheni
Abstract: Currency notes are exchangeable fomites handled by many persons on a daily basis and have the potential for carrying enteric pathogens on their surfaces. Infections caused by these pathogens have a global impact on public health. This study was aimed at analysing the Nigerian currency notes Naira for the presence of enteric bacteria, particularly drug resistant strains. A total of 64 Nigerian currency notes were randomly collected from various sources. Samples were analysed using standard microbiological techniques. Antimicrobial profiles of bacterial isolates was determined using the Kirby-Bauer modified disc diffusion method. Preliminary analysis showed that 67.2% of the samples were contaminated. The 100 Naira notes had higher contamination rates with bacterial mean counts of 1.22×1010 cfu mL’1. Three different species of enteric bacteria were isolated. The predominant pathogens were Escherichia coli (44.2%) and Salmonella sp. (44.2%). All isolates recovered were 100% susceptible to amikacin, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin while 97.7% were resistant to penicillin. Escherichia coli was resistant to ampicillin (100%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (89.5%). This study showed that the Nigerian currency notes harbour enteric pathogens capable of causing serious infections to handlers. Therefore, improved hygiene practices, especially after handling currency notes should be encouraged to prevent the spread of these pathogens.
Kehinde C. Mofolorunsho, Victor O. Obaje, Ruth F. Aminu, Olabisi O. Olowonibi and Hannah O. Ocheni, 2021. Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of Enteric Pathogens Isolated from Nigerian Currency Notes. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 15: 72-77.