Study of Parasitic Pathogens on Nigerian Currency Circulating in Selected Markets in Lafia Metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Pam, V A and Attah, A S and Uzoigwe, N R and Ombugadu, A and Omalu, I C J and Ahmed, H O and Aimankhu, PO and Maikenti, J I and Yina, GI and Okeke, P (2021) Study of Parasitic Pathogens on Nigerian Currency Circulating in Selected Markets in Lafia Metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Journal Of Scientific and Technical Research, 34 (3). pp. 26776-26780. ISSN 2574 -1241

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Abstract

Money is the most widely handled article throughout the world, it goes through clean and dirty hands and can get contaminated with parasites and pathogens. Thus, the study on parasites associated with circulating Naira notes in selected markets in Lafia metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria was carried out from June, 2019 to March, 2020. A total of three hundred and twenty (320) samples of Nigerian Naira notes consisting of forty (40) pieces of each denomination was used for this study. Market samples were collected from food vendors, fish sellers, butchers, hawkers and fruits/vegetable sellers and then screened. Out of the 320 samples examined, 32 (10.00%) were contaminated with parasite species that spread across Ascaris lumbricoides 6 (1.88%), Entamoeba histolytica 7 (2.19%), hookworm 10 (3.13%), Taenia spp. 1 (0.31%) and Trichuris trichiura 8 (2.50%). The mint Naira notes had no parasitic contamination. The level of parasitic contamination of Naira notes in relation to currency sources, and as well as the physical conditions of the notesshowed a very high significant difference (P <0.001). Also, parasitic contamination in relation to Naira notes denominations showed a very high significant difference (P < 0.001). Only the paper notes were contaminated with human pathogenic parasites while polymer notes were parasite free. In conclusion, this is the first study in Lafia, Nasarawa State that showed that the Nigerian currency notes in circulation within the metropolis are contaminated with five parasite species that are known to be pathogenic to humans. Also, the handlers of such Naira notes may possibly stand a chance of being infected with the parasites recorded if their hands are not properly washed and sanitized after transactions.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences
Depositing User: mrs chioma hannah
Date Deposited: 02 May 2023 07:53
Last Modified: 02 May 2023 08:44
URI: http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/3990

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