1Usman, M.,2Sani J.,3Ibrahim, A., and *4Olowo-okere, A
1Department of Pharmacy, Nigerian Air Force Reference Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria
2Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria
3Department of Medical Microbiology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, Nigeria
4Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria *Correspondence to: olowoahmed@gmail.com
Abstract:
Background: Globally, contamination of banknotes with various microbial species is increasingly being reported. This usually results from improper handling during exchange of goods and services. In the present study, we aimed to determine the microbial load, prevalence and the presence of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) among bacteria isolated from the Nigerian Naira notes circulating in Bauchi metropolis.
Methodology: A total of 400 Naira notes of various denominations were randomly collected aseptically, cultured and total viable counts determined. The isolated microbial species were identified using standard microbiological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates and detection of ESBL were determined by Kirby-Bauer’s disc diffusion method and Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST), respectively. Continue reading “Microbial contamination of Naira notes circulating in Bauchi metropolis: prevalence, microbial load and detection of extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Gram-negative bacteria”