Environmental Contamination and Antibiotic Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Paper Currency in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Adiatuj Jahan Rimu
Adiatuj Jahan Rimu, Department of Public Health & Life Sciences, University of South Asia, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Israt Binta Isa
Israt Binta Isa, Department of Microbiology Laboratory, Mohila O Shishu Hospital, Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Mst.Umme Habiba
Mst.Umme Habiba, Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Independent University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Bijoy Biswas
Bijoy Biswas, Department of Applied Laboratory Sciences, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Md. Al-Amin Hossen
Md. Al-Amin Hossen, Department of Pathology, United Hospital Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/ersr.v3i1.11822
Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus; MRSA; paper currency contamination; environmental microbiology; antibiotic resistance
Abstract
Paper currency is one of the most commonly exchanged items in daily life and can serve as a potential vehicle for the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms. This study aimed to assess the environmental contamination and antibiotic resistance profiles of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from paper money collected from various sources in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 40 paper currency samples of different denominations (Tk 10, 20, 50, 100, and 1000) were collected from super shops, fish and vegetable markets, public transport, and new banknotes. Samples were swabbed, cultured on Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA), and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Isolates were identified through Gram staining, hemolysis pattern, and standard biochemical tests, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines.
All samples (100%) were contaminated with S. aureus. The highest contamination was observed in lower denomination notes (Tk 10 and Tk 20), particularly from fish and vegetable markets. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed high resistance to oxacillin (75%) and cefoxitin (60%), indicating the presence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). However, isolates showed complete susceptibility to tetracycline, amikacin, and cotrimoxazole. These findings suggest that paper currency acts as a significant environmental reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, contributing to community-level pathogen transmission. Enhanced public hygiene awareness, reduced cash handling, and the introduction of polymer-based banknotes are recommended to minimize this public health risk.
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