Moneyis one of the most exchangeable mediums in our world and always subject to contamination by pathogenic microbes and hence could serve as a vehicle for transmission of infectious diseases. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of contamination by pathogenic microbes incurrency notes and coins, and determine the susceptibility of the isolated organisms towards antibiotics. This study was carried out using 10 samples of Indian currencies and coins of various areas, which were collected randomly from chicken shops, vegetable shops in and around Coimbatore city, Tamilnadu. Bacterial and fungal prevalence was determined using culture-based techniques, and method. All Indian banknotes were found to be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria as well as fungi. Experimental assessment revealed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Streptococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans. All studied Indian currencies and coins were contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms and play a significant role in the transmission of bacterial infections. As money acts as a universal medium for transmission of infectious microbes, a great care must be taken while handling it.

Keywords : Currency Notes, Coins, Microorganisms, Contamination, Antimicrobial Activity.