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Currency notes and coins as a possible source of transmitting fungal pathogens of man and plants

Dinesh Wanule1, Vaghmare Jalander, B D Gachande

  • 1Department of Life Sciences, N.E.S. Science College, Nanded--431 602 (M S) India. wanuledinesh@rediff.com

Journal of Environmental Science & Engineering
|March 20, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Currency notes and coins carry significant fungal contamination, posing risks to public health and plant protection. This study identified numerous fungal pathogens on money, highlighting the need for better control measures.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Public Health
  • Environmental Microbiology

Background:

  • Currency (notes and coins) are highly mobile objects facilitating pathogen transmission within communities.
  • The potential for currency to act as a vector for infectious agents and invasive species is often underestimated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the fungal contamination of currency notes and coins in Nanded city, Maharashtra.
  • To identify the specific fungal species present on currency and assess their public health and plant protection implications.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was conducted in Nanded city to collect and analyze currency notes and coins for fungal contamination.
  • Standard microbiological techniques were employed for the isolation and identification of fungal pathogens.

Main Results:

  • High levels of fungal contamination were detected on currency notes and coins.
  • Key fungal pathogens identified include Aspergillus niger (60.37%), Penicillium citrinum (17.80%), and Cladosporium cladosporioides (10.69%).
  • Other identified fungi include Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus stolonifer, and Fusarium sp., among others.

Conclusions:

  • Currency handling during transactions presents a significant risk for the spread of fungal pathogens.
  • Preventing and controlling fungal contamination of currency is crucial for safeguarding public health and plant protection.
  • The role of currency in transmitting pathogens across borders warrants consideration, especially during disease outbreaks or bioterrorism threats.

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