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Dirty Money: A Matter of Bacterial Survival, Adherence, and Toxicity

descriptionPublicationkeyboard_double_arrow_right Article 23 Nov 2016MDPI AGMicroorganisms, volume 4, page 42 (eissn: 2076-2607,

Authors: Frank Vriesekoop; Jing Chen; Jenna Oldaker; Flavien Besnard; Reece Smith; William Leversha; Cheralee Smith-Arnold; +6 Authors

doi: 10.3390/microorganisms4040042

pmc: PMC5192525

pmid: 27886085

Dirty Money: A Matter of Bacterial Survival, Adherence, and Toxicity

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Abstract

In this study we report the underlying reasons to why bacteria are present on banknotes and coins. Despite the use of credit cards, mobile phone apps, near-field-communication systems, and cryptocurrencies such as bitcoins which are replacing the use of hard currencies, cash exchanges still make up a significant means of exchange for a wide range of purchases. The literature is awash with data that highlights that both coins and banknotes are frequently identified as fomites for a wide range of microorganisms. However, most of these publications fail to provide any insight into the extent to which bacteria adhere and persist on money. We treated the various currencies used in this study as microcosms, and the bacterial loading from human hands as the corresponding microbiome. We show that the substrate from which banknotes are produced have a significant influence on both the survival and adherence of bacteria to banknotes. Smooth, polymer surfaces provide a poor means of adherence and survival, while coarser and more fibrous surfaces provide strong bacterial adherence and an environment to survive on. Coins were found to be strongly inhibitory to bacteria with a relatively rapid decline in survival on almost all coin surfaces tested. The inhibitory influence of coins was demonstrated through the use of antimicrobial disks made from coins. Despite the toxic effects of coins on many bacteria, bacteria do have the ability to adapt to the presence of coins in their environment which goes some way to explain the persistent presence of low levels of bacteria on coins in circulation.

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Subjects by Vocabulary

Microsoft Academic Graph classification: Cryptocurrency media_common.quotation_subject Biology Circulation (currency) media_common Ecology Commerce Cash

Medical Subject Headings: otorhinolaryngologic diseases stomatognathic diseases

Keywords

Microbiology (medical), microbiome, substrate, coins, banknotes; bacteria; substrate; coins; microcosm; microbiome, Microbiology, Article, Virology, bacteria, banknotes, microcosm

40 references, page 1 of 4

1. Dodgson, M.; Gann, D.; Wladawsky-Berger, I.; Sultan, N.; George, G. Managing digital money. Acad. Manag. J. 2015, 58, 325-333. [CrossRef] [OpenAIRE]

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3. Ward, C.B.; Tanner, F.W. Bacteria on subsidiary coins and currency. Am. J. Med. Sci. 1921, 162, 585-592. [CrossRef]

4. Mihaéloff, S. The transference of pathogenic organisms on paper money and on coins. Ann. d'Hyg. Pub. Indust. et Sociale 1940, 18, 226-233. (In French)

5. Warsa, R. Coins and paper money as potential vectors of pathogenic germs. Doc. Med. Geogr. Trop. 1952, 4, 139-174. (In French)

6. Kuria, J.K.N.; Wahome, R.G.; Jobalamin, M.; Kariuki, S.M. Profile of bacteria and fungi on money coins. East Afr. Med. J. 2009, 86, 151-156. [CrossRef] [PubMed] [OpenAIRE]

7. Vriesekoop, F.; Russell, C.; Alvarez-Mayorga, B.; Aidoo, K.; Yuan, Q.P.; Scannell, A.; Beumer, R.R.; Jiang, X.; Barro, N.; Otokunefor, K.; et al. Dirty money: An investigation into the hygiene status of some of the world's currencies as obtained from food outlets. Foodborne Pathog. Dis. 2010, 7, 1497-1502. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

8. Gedik, H.; Voss, T.A.; Voss, A. Money and transmission of bacteria. Antimicrob. Resist. Infect. Control 2013, 2, 1-4. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

9. Su, G.L.S.; Coden, C.; Cruz, A.; Jose, R.; Victorino, A.; Sison, M.A.; De Guzman, T. Bacteriological and parasitological assessment of currencies obtained in selected markets of Metro Manila. Asian Pac. J. Trop. Dis. 2015, 5, 468-470. [CrossRef] [OpenAIRE]

10. Yalowitz, M.; Brook, I. The recovery of bacteria from the handpiece of a high school telephone. J. Environ. Health 2002, 65, 18-20.

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Impact byBIP!

	citations This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).	11
	popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.	Top 10%
	influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).	Average
	impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.	Average

	citations This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).	11
	popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.	Top 10%
	influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).	Average
	impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.	Average