1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Paper currency remains one of the most commonly exchanged items globally and is used daily by millions of people to carry out various forms of financial transactions. In Nigeria, the Nigerian Naira (NGN) is the legal tender that circulates widely among the population, including markets, public transportation, restaurants, and hospitals. Due to the high frequency of handling, paper notes have the potential to serve as fomites objects capable of carrying infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi (Jawetz, Melnick & Adelberg, 2004). Unlike metallic surfaces, paper notes are porous, providing a favorable environment for microbial survival and growth. They are often handled without adequate hand hygiene, making them highly susceptible to contamination from the skin, respiratory secretions, food, dust, and even fecal matter (Oyero & Emikpe, 2007). Studies have revealed that paper currency can harbor a wide range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa organisms that are commonly associated with foodborne and nosocomial infections (Basavarajappa, Rao & Suresh, 2005).
In Nigeria, where a large proportion of the population relies heavily on cash-based transactions, especially in informal sectors, the risk of microbial transmission through contaminated paper notes is significant (Ahmed et al., 2010). The potential of contaminated currency notes to serve as vehicles for disease transmission is of growing public health concern. The situation is particularly alarming in healthcare settings and food-handling environments where such contaminated notes can act as conduits for the spread of pathogens. As such, assessing the extent of bacterial contamination on Nigerian paper currency becomes crucial in developing effective public health interventions and promoting hygiene practices, especially in cash-intensive communities. Money is an essential tool in every economy, facilitating trade and serving as a store of value, a unit of account, and a medium of exchange.
The Nigerian Naira (NGN) is the official currency used for transactions across all sectors. However, due to frequent handling, circulation, and exposure to various environmental conditions, paper currency notes may become contaminated with microorganisms, particularly bacteria. Bacterial contamination according to Prescott et al. (2002) refers to the presence and growth of harmful bacteria on surfaces, objects, or substances, potentially leading to infection or disease transmission (Prescott et al., 2002). Paper notes, being porous and frequently exchanged among individuals with varying hygiene practices, serve as suitable media for bacterial survival and transmission. According to Elumalai et al. (2012), currency notes can harbor a variety of pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms, making them possible vectors for disease spread.
In many developing countries like Nigeria, inadequate hygiene practices, poor sanitation, and high volume of manual cash transactions exacerbate the problem of bacterial contamination of currency. Street vendors, commercial drivers, food sellers, and even healthcare workers often handle money without washing their hands, thereby transferring bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp., and Salmonella spp. To and from the paper notes (Oyero & Emikpe, 2007). Several studies have reported that lower denomination notes, being more frequently handled, tend to harbor a higher load of bacterial contaminants compared to higher denominations (Ahmed et al., 2010). Therefore, this study aims to explore the types and levels of bacterial contamination present on NGN paper notes.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the use of paper currency remains deeply ingrained in the daily lives of Nigerians, especially in informal economic settings where digital transactions are either unavailable or impractical. However, the continuous handling of Naira notes by different individuals in various environments without proper hygiene practices is posing a growing public health concern.
Furthermore, bacterial contamination of Nigerian paper notes is a silent but serious issue that threatens public health. Studies have shown that currency notes in circulation in Nigeria are frequently contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella spp., which are known to cause gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections (Oyero & Emikpe, 2007; Ahmed et al., 2010). The situation becomes more alarming considering the high rate of handling of lower denominations, which often appear visibly dirty and worn out. This research seeks to shed more light on the extent of bacterial contamination on Naira notes.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to investigate the presence and extent of bacterial contamination on Nigerian paper currency (Naira).
The specific objectives of the study are as follows:
- To assess the correlation between the physical condition of the notes and the degree of bacterial contamination.
- To determine the level of bacterial contamination on different denominations of Nigerian paper currency.
- To identify and characterize the bacterial species isolated from contaminated Naira notes.
- To evaluate the hygienic practices of individuals in handling paper money.
- To recommend public health strategies for minimizing the risk of disease transmission through contaminated currency.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the level of bacterial contamination present on different denominations of Nigerian paper currency?
- What bacterial species are most commonly found on contaminated Naira notes?
- Is there a relationship between the physical condition of Naira notes and the extent of bacterial contamination?
- What are the common hygiene practices among individuals who handle Naira notes frequently?
- What measures can be recommended to reduce the risk of disease transmission through contaminated currency?
1.5 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will help raise awareness about the potential health risks associated with handling contaminated currency, particularly in environments where hygiene practices may be inadequate.
Furthermore, the study will serve as a basis for future research on currency hygiene and microbial contamination, providing relevant data to inform policy changes regarding the management and handling of paper currency.
Lastly, public health officials and institutions will benefit from the findings, as it will guide the development of hygiene standards and infection prevention strategies to mitigate the risks of disease transmission through money.
1.6 Scope of Study
This study will focus on the bacterial contamination of paper currency (Naira notes) in the city of Lagos, Nigeria, one of the most populous and economically active states in the country. The research will examine various denominations of Nigerian currency circulating in key commercial areas within Lagos, including markets, public transport hubs, and financial institutions.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
A study of this nature is bound to experience certain problems as such the constraints imposed on the research include:
- Time Constraints: A study of this nature needs relatively long time during which information for accurate or at least near accurate inference could be drawn. The period of the study was short, time posed as constraints to the research.
- Financial Constraints: The research would have extended the survey to other area at the empirical level, but limitation as included cost of transportation to the source of material and the cost of time setting of the already completed work.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Bacteria Contamination: Bacterial contamination refers to the presence of harmful bacteria on surfaces, which can lead to infection or disease transmission when individuals come in contact with these surfaces (Michaud et al., 2019). in the context of this study, it pertains to the bacterial presence on Nigerian paper currency (Naira notes), which people handle frequently in daily transactions.
Paper Currency: Paper currency, or banknotes, are forms of legal tender used for transactions and are typically made from cotton or polymer materials. Nigerian paper currency, known as Naira (NGN), includes various denominations ranging from smaller amounts such as 10 Naira to larger ones like 1000 Naira (Central Bank of Nigeria, 2021).
Naira (NGN): Naira (NGN) is the official currency of Nigeria. It is issued and controlled by the Central Bank of Nigeria and is the medium of exchange in the country for goods and services (Central Bank of Nigeria, 2021).
Bacteria: Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can exist in various environments, including those that are harmful to human health. Certain bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella, are commonly found in environments contaminated by human contact and are capable of causing foodborne illnesses and infections (WHO, 2020).
Public Health Risk: Public health risk refers to the likelihood of a disease or harmful condition affecting a large portion of the population. In this study, it pertains to the potential for disease transmission through contaminated Naira notes in circulation (World Health Organization, 2020).
Hygiene Practices: Hygiene practices refer to the actions individuals take to maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of infections, such as washing hands after handling money. These practices are essential in mitigating the risk of bacterial contamination and disease transmission (Bleich et al., 2018).
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