The article presents the results of an experimental microbiological study assessing bacterial contamination of paper banknotes in active circulation among students. Swab samples collected from the surface of banknotes were examined using classical bacteriological culture methods on differential and selective media. The findings demonstrated a high degree of contamination with opportunistic microorganisms. Staphylococci and enteric bacteria predominated among the isolated microorganisms. Detection of β-hemolytic strains as well as mannitol-positive isolates indicates the potential epidemiological significance of paper currency as a factor in the transmission of infectious diseases.

Purpose - to evaluate the degree of bacterial contamination of paper banknotes and determine the frequency of detection of potentially pathogenic microorganisms.

Materials and methods - fifteen paper banknotes in active circulation were examined. Sterile swabs were taken from two separate areas of each banknote surface using cotton swabs moistened with physiological saline. Samples were cultured on blood agar to assess hemolytic activity and on Endo medium to detect lactose-positive enterobacteria. Incubation was carried out at 37°C for 24–48 hours. Suspected staphylococcal colonies were subcultured onto Mannitol Salt Agar (7.5% NaCl) to determine mannitol fermentation.

Results - microbial growth was detected in 100% of the samples. Colonies varied in morphology and pigmentation (yellow, yellow-green, pink). β-hemolysis was observed in 60% of the samples on blood agar. Lactose-positive colonies characteristic of Escherichia coli were identified in 73% of cases on Endo medium. Mannitol fermentation was detected in 53% of isolates, suggesting the presence of Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococci were the most frequently isolated microorganisms (80%).

Conclusion - paper banknotes serve as a reservoir of opportunistic and potentially pathogenic microorganisms and may act as an additional factor in the transmission of infectious diseases.

banknotes, bacterial contamination, staphylococci, Escherichia coli, hemolysis, mannitol fermentation.

Медицинская микробиология, вирусология и иммунология / под ред. В.В. Зверева. — М.: ГЭОТАР-Медиа, 2021.

Murray P.R., Rosenthal K.S., Pfaller M.A. Medical Microbiology. — Elsevier, 2020.

Cheesbrough M. District Laboratory Practice in Tropical Countries. — Cambridge University Press, 2018.

Angelakis E. et al. Paper money and coins as potential vectors of transmissible disease // International Journal of Infectious Diseases. — 2014.

Neel R. et al. Bacterial contamination of currency notes // International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences. — 2013.

World Health Organization. Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care. — Geneva, 2009.

Yodgorova N. T., Fayzullaeva Z. R., Sh M. F. Changes in the intestinal microflora in the baby and the ways of their correction //World Bulletin of Public Health. – 2022. – Т. 17. – С. 37-41.

Mamatmusaeva Fatima, Tuychiev Laziz, Nuruzova Zukhra, Yodgorova Nodira, Orinbaeva Zukhra. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (09752366), 2020, Vol 12, Issue 4, p536. DOI 10.31838/ijpr/2020.12.04.087

Fayzullaeva Z. R., Yodgorova N. Bacteriological Methods Determination of the Respiratory Way in Chronic Infection //Eurasian Medical Research Periodical. – 2022. – Т. 15. – С. 47-50.

Файзуллаева З. и др. Фармакологические и микробиологические аспекты комплексного соединения никеля с пиридоксином и амидом никотиновой кислоты //Современные проблемы науки и образования. – 2016. – №. 2. – С. 4-4.

Fayzullayeva, Z., Akbar , A., & Abdusattarov, A. (2024). Dempfirlash hadiga, o‘zgaruvchan zichlikka ega diffuziya jarayonlarini modellashtirish: Dempfirlash hadiga, o‘zgaruvchan zichlikka ega diffuziya jarayonlarini modellashtirish. Modern problems and prospects of applied mathematics, 1(01). Retrieved from https://ojs.qarshidu.uz/index.php/mp/article/view/433

Fayzullayeva Zamira Raxmatovna, Yodgorova Nodira Turgunbaevna, Izzatullaeva Shahlokhon Inoyatullokhon Qizi, Tojalieva Munira Bakhodir Qizi. Microbiological methods for determination of respiratory tract microorganisms in chronic infection. Science and innovation. 2024. 3, Special Issue 54, 160-163.

ZR Fayzullaeva, L Sh Eshbekova. Modern methods of checking the characteristics of oncoviruses. Journal of healthcare and life-science research. 2023/12/16, 2(12), 132-136.

Sadullaeva, Sh, and Z. Fayzullaeva. "Investigation on Self-Similar Analysis of the Problem Biological Population Kolmogorov-Fisher Type System." International Journal on Orange Technologies, vol. 3, no. 11, 2021, pp. 20-24, doi:10.31149/ijot.v3i11.2371.