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Money has been implicated in many studies as a vector of various pathogens, bacteria inclusive. It is one of the few fomites that is widely circulated in the population and thus has great potential of harbouring potentially infectious pathogens. This study aimed at screening the Zambian paper currency, the Kwacha, for bacterial contamination and to test the isolates for antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. This was a laboratory-based study that involved the collection of 120 paper money samples via aseptic technique and was conducted from 2018 to 2019. The study population included sub regions of the city, Lusaka. They included, Kabwata, Kalingalinga and Chilenje townships as well as Lusaka City Market Lusaka, Zambia. The collected samples were then transported to the Microbiology laboratory for swabbing, inoculation and further analysis. Inoculation was done on blood agar and Mackonkey agar, followed by identification using biochemical tests and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed on Mueller Hinton agar using standard antimicrobial discs. Eight (8) species of bacteria were isolated from the Zambian currency notes including Bacillus species, Corynebacterium species, Listeria monocytogenes, Coagulase-negative Staphylococcal species, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus species, E. coli, Enterococcus species. Ciprofloxacin, Tetracycline and Amikacin were the most efficacious drugs, while most resistance was noted to Penicillin G, Cefoxitin and Cotrimoxazole. The most contaminated currency note was ZMK2.00 and the ZMK 1.00 note was the less contaminated. Conclusion: This study isolated eight pathogenic species of bacteria from the Zambian Currency notes and they showed resistance to some commonly used drugs. These results indicate that currency notes have the potential to transfer potentially pathogenic organism and may be also be a suitable platform for evolution and spreading of antimicrobial resistance. There is need for public education on good hygiene practices When handling paper currency in Zambia.

Assessment of Bacteriological Contamination of the Zambian Paper Currency in Circulation in Selected Areas of Lusaka City, Zambia