Antibiotic Profiles of Enteric Pathogens Isolated from Nigerian Currency Notes

Background: Currency notes are exchangeable fomites handled by many persons daily and can potentially carry enteric pathogens on their surfaces. Infections caused these have a global impact public health. This study aimed to analyse the Nigerian currency Naira for presence of bacteria, particularly drug-resistant strains. Methods: Sixty-four were randomly collected from various sources. Using spread plate technique, an aliquot 0.1ml 10-6 dilution each sample suspension was inoculated onto Eosin Methylene Blue agar Hektoen Enteric plates. Following incubation, colonies counted recorded in colony-forming units per milliliter, morphologic features observed. Bacterial isolates then Gram-stained, tested motility characterized using standard biochemical techniques. Antimicrobial profiles bacterial determined Kirby-Bauer modified disc diffusion method. Results: Preliminary analysis showed that 67.2% contaminated. The 100 had highest contamination rates with mean counts 1.22×1010 cfu/ml. Three different species bacteria isolated. predominant Escherichia coli (44.2%) Salmonella spp. (44.2%). All recovered 100% susceptible amikacin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, while 97.7% resistant penicillin. ampicillin (100%) trime-thoprim-sulfamethoxazole (89.5%). Conclusion: harbour capable causing serious infections handlers. Therefore, improved hygiene practices, especially after handling notes, should be encouraged prevent pathogens.