Examination of Higher Denomination Naira Notes Exchanged in Veritas University Cafeteria for Fungal Contamination

Aims: This study is aimed examination of higher denomination of naira notes exchanged at Veritas University cafeteria for fungal contamination.

Study Design: The factorial experimental design was employed for this study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Veritas University, Abuja, between February 2023 to July, 2023.

Methodology: A total of 60 Nigerian currency notes, (denominations: N100, N200, N500, N1000), were randomly collected from the Veritas University Cafeteria, and subjected to analysis. Each Naira note samples were aseptically soaked and thoroughly mixed separately, in 20 ml of peptone water in a 250 ml beaker for 15 minutes. This was done to dislodge the cells into the Peptone water. Using sterile forceps, the currency notes were carefully removed for preservation from each beaker and the contents of each beaker was sealed with foil paper and incubated for 24hrs at 37C. Standard microbiological methods were followed for the isolation and characterization of the fungal species.

Results: The result of the findings showed that, all the different naira notes had fungal contamination. The fungal count ranged from 1 x 107 to 6.4 x 109 while the ₦100 currency denomination had the highest TVC (6.4 × 109 cfu/ml) and the ₦200 currency denomination had the least TVC (1.0 × 107 cfu/ml). The result of the findings also revealed the presence of a diverse range of fungal species which include the genera; Aspergillus, Penicillium, Candida, Neurospora, Trichothecium, Rhizopus and Cladosporium. The percentage occurrence of fungal isolates revealed Aspergillus spp to be the most occurred except in Samples D where Neurospora crasa was the most present fungi.

Conclusion: The fungal species isolated from the naira notes include, Neurospora crasa, Aspergillus, Candida spp, Trichothecium spp, Penicillium spp, Rhizopus spp, Mucor spp. Aspergillus spp had the highest occurrence in all the samples except Sample D. These results emphasize the necessity of frequent monitoring in order to avoid any health hazards related to fungal contamination, as well as the implementation of good hygienic procedures in the handling and management of cash.