Bacterial contamination of paper currency

South Med J. 2002 Dec;95(12):1408-10.

Abstract

One-dollar bills were collected from the general community in western Ohio to survey for bacterial contamination. Pathogenic or potentially pathogenic organisms were isolated from 94% of the bills. These results suggest a high rate of bacterial contamination of one-dollar bills.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / isolation & purification*
  • Ohio
  • Paper*