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EVALUACIÓN DE LA CONTAMINACIÓN FÚNGICA DE BILLETES EN CORO, ESTADO FALCÓN, VENEZUELA I EVALUATION OF THE FUNGAL CONTAMINATION OF CURRENCY NOTES IN CORO, FALCON STATE, VENEZUELA

Authors :
Patricia Navas-Yamarte
Dalmiro Cazorla-Perfetti
Pedro Morales-Moreno
María Acosta-Quintero
Source :
Saber, Vol 26, Iss 2, Pp 136-145 (2018)
Publication Year :
2018
Publisher :
Universidad de Oriente, 2018.

Abstract

Paper currency is one of the objects most handled and exchanged by people, which could be a potential vehicle to transmit pathogenic microorganism. Between June and July 2013, a total of 154 currency notes (bolívares fuertes: Bs.F) from all denominations were randomly selected from trade centers and banks located in Coro, Falcon state, Venezuela. Sabouraud-agar was used as a solid medium for isolation of fungi using the conventional swab technique. One or more fungal taxa were recovered in 80.52% (124/154) of the examined currency notes, and Aspergillus niger (51.61%), A. nidulans (15.58%) and A. flavus (13.64%) were the most common isolated ones. The apparently clean and dirty/mutilated (100%) notes showed significantly higher contamination percentages than mint (0%) ( X 2 = 27.08; p < 0.001). There was not a statistically significant association between currency denomination and its emission dates with fungal contamination frequencies ( p > 0.05). In the light of obtained results, it can be concluded that currency notes circulating in Coro, Falcon state, Venezuela, could serve as a potential means for dissemination of fungal spores. Sanitary education campaigns for the proper use and management of currency paper, is recommended

Details

Language :
Spanish; Castilian
ISSN :
23436468 and 13150162
Volume :
26
Issue :
2
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Saber
Accession number :
edsair.doajarticles..df82d6b052fde49b2ee1de9fbb522aae