Molecular characterization of ESBLs and AmpC β-lactamases in Bacteria Isolated from Currency Notes Circulating in Mosul City, Iraq

The Iraqi currency notes circulating in Mosul city were evaluated for the occurrence of ESBLs and AmpC b-lactamaseproducing bacteria. Four hundred twenty-two Gram-positive negative bacterial isolates with different antimicrobial resistance profiles recovered from 250 samples collected during period April to July 2021, among which 150 (35.5%) multi-drug resistant (MDR). study found that 16.4% 14.8% Gram positive phenotypic detection tests, respectively. Interestingly, 6.6% simultaneously both tests. Molecular characterization was carried out using PCR technique determine prevalent gene\s. results revealed blaTEM blaCTX-M most genes (28.6% 26.2%, respectively). Moreover, 11.9% tested appeared have dual (blaTEM þ blaSHV). Multiplex showed prevalence blaFOX (52.6%) blaCMY (21.1%) detected. Remarkably, types b-lactamases detected 76.5% phenotypically isolates. present suggests could act as a potential carrier