Microbial Contamination of Currency Notes During COVID-19 Pandemic

a potential carrier of microbial contamination during covid period

| Posted in: Health Sciences Science

Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Currency notes
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Subtitle: a potential carrier of microbial contamination during covid period

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Arun G. Krishnan, Arya lekshmi U. S., Ahamed Shabeer B. S., Shaiju S. Dharan, Mathan S., Merlin N. J. and Deepa Manohar R.


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Currency notes

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr202013-19037

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The study examines the potential of paper currency as a carrier of microbial contamination, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the ways in which currency, circulated among individuals, can harbor various pathogens, thereby posing a risk of disease transmission. The research was conducted in Marayamuttom, Trivandrum, Kerala, focusing specifically on rupee ten notes collected from different locations including banks, hypermarkets, and fish markets. This study aims to raise awareness about proper sanitation practices related to currency handling, especially in an environment where hygiene is of paramount importance.

Microbial Contamination of Currency Notes

One of the critical findings of the study is that paper currency can serve as a significant vehicle for microbial growth. Microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, can adhere to the surfaces of currency notes and remain viable for extended periods. Factors contributing to this contamination include unhygienic living conditions among individuals, improper handwashing practices, and exposure to dirty surfaces during currency exchange. The study identified common pathogens such as Bacillus species, Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, emphasizing the health risks associated with handling contaminated cash.

The Importance of Currency Hygiene

The research underscores the importance of maintaining hand hygiene after engaging in transactions involving paper currency. The study found that currency collected from densely populated areas, like fish markets, showed significantly higher levels of microbial contamination compared to notes from banks. This reflects the increased handling and usage in commercial settings, which raises the potential for the transmission of infections. Therefore, proper sanitation practices, such as washing hands thoroughly after handling cash, are crucial in mitigating this risk and preventing the spread of diseases, including COVID-19.

Polymer Currency as an Alternative

Another significant observation in the study is the suggestion to transition from paper currency to polymer currency. Polymer notes have been recognized for their advantages over paper currency, including greater resistance to tearing, reduced absorption of contaminants, and enhanced cleanliness due to their smooth surfaces. This shift could help minimize microbial contamination, suggesting that implementing polymer currency could be a beneficial public health strategy to decrease the risks associated with cash transactions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study highlights the urgent need for public awareness regarding the microbial contamination of paper currency. It emphasizes that everyday currency is a prevalent carrier of microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, which poses health risks, especially during heightened times of illness such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Proper hygiene practices should be integrated into daily routines to prevent the transfer of contaminants through currency handling. Additionally, considering the adoption of polymer currency may further alleviate these risks and enhance public health safety.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the primary concern regarding paper currency during the COVID period?

Paper currency can carry microbial contamination, potentially transmitting pathogens and diseases, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How does microbial contamination occur on currency notes?

Contamination occurs through various means, such as unhygienic handling, use of contaminated surfaces, and body fluids like saliva when counting notes.

What types of microorganisms are commonly found on currency notes?

Common microorganisms include bacillus species, staphylococcus aureus, mycobacterium tuberculosis, and enterobacterial species, which can lead to various infections.

What method was used to study the contamination of currency notes?

The study involved collecting rupees ten notes from different locations and then incubating them in sterile nutrient agar to observe microbial growth.

What was the result of the currency contamination study?

Currency collected from the fish market showed the highest contamination, while new notes had much lower microbial presence, confirming the risk associated with frequently used currency.

What preventive measures are recommended to reduce currency contamination?

Proper hand hygiene and sanitization after handling currency notes are crucial. Ideally, using polymer currency could reduce contamination risks due to their properties.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Microbial Contamination of Currency Notes During COVID-19 Pandemic”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Study (Studying):
The study refers to the examination conducted to assess microbial contamination on currency notes. It is crucial in understanding how paper money can act as a vector for disease transmission, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The methodology, findings, and implications of the study contribute to public health awareness and hygiene practices.

2) Hand:
Hands are a primary way through which contagious diseases are transmitted. The study emphasizes the necessity for washing hands after handling currency to reduce microbial transfer. Clean hands are crucial in breaking the chain of transmission of pathogens often found on currency notes.

3) Transmission:
Transmission refers to the process through which pathogens spread from one host to another. In this context, currency acts as a vehicle through which microbes are transferred between individuals. Understanding transmission routes is essential for implementing effective sanitation and hygiene measures to control diseases, especially in crowded settings.

4) Money:
Money, particularly paper currency, serves as a common medium of exchange. However, its role in microbial transmission underscores its potential health risks. The study emphasizes the need for improved hygiene practices surrounding monetary transactions to mitigate the risk of spreading infections in society, particularly during health crises.

5) Medium:
Medium refers to the nutrient agar used in the study for culturing microbes from the currency notes. It is a vital part of microbiological research as it provides the necessary nutrients for microbial growth. The choice of medium affects the visibility and identification of microbial contamination on surfaces.

6) Water:
Water plays a crucial role in the preparation of nutrient agar, which is essential for growing bacteria. It also serves as a solvent for cleaner methods and is vital for effective hand hygiene. The presence of water can both facilitate microbial survival and aid in cleaning to reduce contamination.

7) Species:
Species refers to the various types of microorganisms identified on contaminated currency notes in the study. Knowing the specific species present helps ascertain the potential health risks associated with handling money, as some microbes can lead to serious diseases. Identifying these species is vital for public health interventions.

8) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene relates to practices that promote health, including handwashing after handling currency. The study highlights the imperative of maintaining hygiene to prevent the spread of pathogens. Proper hygiene practices around money handling can significantly reduce infection rates and protect community health, particularly amidst ongoing health concerns.

9) Surface:
Surfaces denote all types of objects, including money, that can harbor pathogens. The study emphasizes that various surfaces, especially those frequently touched, can be significant risk factors for disease transmission, necessitating regular cleaning and sanitation to reduce contamination and protect public health.

10) Science (Scientific):
Scientific refers to the rigorous methods employed to conduct the study on microbial contamination. The adherence to scientific principles ensures the validity of findings that are crucial for understanding public health implications and can guide future research and hygiene practices.

11) Rupee:
Rupee is the name of the currency discussed in the study. The focus on ten rupee notes highlights how commonly used currency can become contaminated. Understanding the implications associated with this particular currency provides important insights into public health concerns in locations where it circulates.

12) Substance:
Substances refer to the various materials that constitute currency notes which can influence microbial survivability. Understanding these substances aids in evaluating how effectively certain currency types can harbor microbes, thereby informing strategies for sanitation and public health safety.

13) Kerala:
Kerala is the state in India where the study was conducted. Its specific socio-economic conditions may influence the patterns of currency use and hygiene practices, highlighting the need for localized studies. The findings from this region can have broader implications for public health strategies within similar locales.

14) Indian:
Indian refers to the nationality associated with the currency notes in the study. Understanding the context of Indian currency allows for discussions around cultural practices, monetary use, and transmission of pathogens related to local hygiene standards. The study highlights the relevance of cultural practices in disease transmission.

15) India:
India is the country where the study of microbial contamination on currency notes was carried out. The diverse population and varied hygiene practices present challenges in controlling infections. Insights from this research can inform monetary public health policies nationally, particularly in low-to-middle-income settings.

16) Fish:
Fish markets were one of the key areas from which currency notes were collected for the study. These markets may involve higher levels of microbial contamination due to food handling practices. This highlights the necessity for heightened awareness and specific hygiene protocols in environments where food is exchanged for currency.

17) Disease:
Disease signifies the range of health issues that may arise from exposure to contaminated currency. This study highlights specific diseases that can spread through microbial transmission via money. By understanding these diseases, public health strategies can be more effectively targeted.

18) Aureus:
Aureus, specifically Staphylococcus aureus, is one of the pathogenic species identified on currency notes in the study. Knowledge of this bacterium's presence is critical as it is associated with various human infections. Raising awareness about Aureus can assist in implementing practical health interventions.

19) Tear:
Tear refers to the physical degradation of currency notes, which can be influenced by their material composition. The discussion around tear resistance relates to the durability of different currency types (paper vs. polymer) and how it may affect microbial adherence and, subsequently, contamination levels.

20) Market place:
Market place, singular, refers to any specific venue of commerce where currency is circulated. Similar to 'market places,' it highlights the role of such areas in the transmission of microbes. These sites require consistent monitoring and sanitation protocols to ensure public health is protected.

21) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis is a severe infectious disease that may spread through contaminated surfaces. Being aware of its transmission pathways is essential in the context of currency. The study indicates that currency could serve as a potential transmitter, necessitating focused studies and hygiene measures.

22) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transforming implies changing the form or nature of currency from paper to plastic polymer, which the study suggests could reduce microbial contamination. This shift can potentially enhance longevity and hygiene of currency, lowering health risks associated with handling money as well.

23) Observation:
Observation refers to the meticulous assessment and recording of microbial growth on the currency notes during the study. Scientific observations play a vital part in validating hypotheses about the risks associated with currency, providing insights necessary for informed public health guidelines.

24) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the dialogue surrounding the implications of the study's findings. It encompasses the interpretation of results, considerations for public health strategies, and recommendations for future studies. Engagement in such discussions is vital for developing actionable interventions against microbial contamination.

25) Developing:
Developing pertains to nations that may face higher risks due to poor hygiene standards. In the study, the implications for countries with less stringent health measures underline the necessity for increased awareness and education regarding the handling of currency and potential health risks associated with it.

26) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections. However, the presence of antibiotic-resistant strains found on currency notes raises significant public health concerns. Awareness of such antibiotic resistance is essential for developing effective infection control measures in communities, particularly in high-transmission environments.

27) Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is a state in India mentioned in the context of currency contamination studies. Highlighting regional differences in hygiene and practices helps identify specific challenges and opportunities for improving public health measures regarding currency handling and microbial transmission.

28) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the field dedicated to treating and preventing disease. Insights from the study prompt a re-evaluation of practices in transmitting currency, showcasing the intersection between economic activity and health care, urging for the adoption of better hygiene in everyday transactions.

29) Gelatin:
Gelatin is a component used in the production of certain paper currency. Its presence may affect microbial adhesion and survival. Understanding its role in currency design provides insights into potential improvements in hygiene and sanitation practices for reducing contamination.

30) Bengal (Bemgal):
Bengal refers to a region in India, which is relevant in the context of microbial studies of currency contamination. The regional focus aids in understanding local currents of hygiene practices and health education regarding maximizing public health safety as related to currency.

31) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma is a surname that may refer to a researcher or author involved in related studies of microbial contamination. Acknowledging individual contributions illustrates the collaborative nature of scientific research, which aids in comprehensive understanding and addressing public health concerns.

32) Nature:
Nature refers to the essential qualities of organisms involved in microbial contamination. Understanding the nature of pathogens can help guide prevention strategies and health education, emphasizing the importance of recognizing environmental factors that contribute to the survival and transmission of microbes.

33) Silver:
Silver is a precious metal that was historically used in coinage. References to silver in discussions of currency may denote differences in contamination risks and durability compared to paper notes, prompting considerations of how material choice impacts hygiene standards.

34) Animal:
Animal refers to the origins of certain substances used in creating paper currency, such as animal gelatin. Knowledge of animal-based components highlights the importance of understanding how such materials may influence microbial contamination and health safety, particularly in diverse cultural contexts.

35) Cotton:
Cotton is one of the materials that comprise paper currency. Being a natural fiber, it may provide microbial habitats. Understanding the role of cotton in currency manufacture can help address public health concerns over contamination and suggest more sanitary alternatives.

36) Ajmer:
Ajmer is a city in Rajasthan, India, mentioned concerning currency contamination studies. Highlighting specific geographical locations aids in understanding regional hygiene practices and the need for tailored public health messages and interventions aimed at reducing microbial risks from everyday transactions.

37) Kumar:
Kumar is a common surname that potentially refers to an author or researcher involved in related scientific studies. Recognizing individual contributors emphasizes the collaborative essence of research efforts directed toward understanding public health impacts related to microbial contamination on currency.

38) Linen:
Linen is another fiber potentially used in the composition of currency notes. Understanding the properties of linen in relation to microbial retention can inform decisions around currency design aimed at reducing infections, emphasizing the importance of material choices in public health contexts.

39) Sweating (Sweat):
Sweat signifies a bodily fluid that can facilitate pathogen transfer through contact with currency. Awareness of how sweat interacts with currency highlights the necessity for hygiene by emphasizing the importance of clean hands when handling money to prevent the spread of infectious microbes.

40) Cina:
China is historically significant as the birthplace of paper currency. References to China in discussions of currency underscore the global implications of hygiene practices and the need for common understanding about microbial risks associated with monetary transactions in diverse cultures.

41) Ravi (Ravin):
Ravi could be a name tied to a contributor in the field, symbolizing the collaboration of researchers. This kind of attribution showcases the diverse voices within the scientific community working towards understanding and solving public health issues stemming from currency contamination.

42) Taka:
Taka is the currency of Bangladesh. Discussing taka in the context of microbial studies explores the implications of currency handling practices across different nations and highlights the necessity for international public health initiatives that address common issues of contamination.

43) Arya:
Arya may refer to an author or contributor in the study, affirming the collaborative aspect of scientific research. Acknowledgment of contributors' efforts is essential in recognizing the team efforts required in addressing public health challenges related to currency use and hygiene.

44) Food:
Food refers to items commonly purchased with currency. The association between currency and food emphasizes the need for health and hygiene practices, especially in environments like markets. Understanding how food transactions are linked with microbial transmission can guide public health messaging.

45) Gold (Golden):
Gold is a historically significant metal used in currency and coinage. Its mention in discussions of currency highlights the evolution of money and draws comparisons to contemporary practices, raising awareness about cash hygiene and contamination as societies grow more health-conscious.

46) Salt (Salty):
Salt is a mineral important in the economy, potentially discussed in the context of barter systems. Its relevance to transactions extends to contemporary currency use, emphasizing how historical exchanges inform current practices and the need for improved hygiene measures when handling currency.

47) Life:
Life signifies the biological aspects at risk due to microbial contamination. The study emphasizes that handling contaminated currency can endanger public health, highlighting the need for education on hygiene to ensure the well-being of individuals and communities as they navigate daily transactions.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Microbial Contamination of Currency Notes During COVID-19 Pandemic’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Aseptic condition, Microbial Contamination, COVID 19, Random sampling method, Bacillus species, Pathogens, Hand hygiene, Nutrient agar medium, Sterile conditions, Proper sanitation, Sterile Gloves, Unhygienic condition, Transmission of disease, Microorganism.

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