Studies on the Fungal Flora of Indian Currency

The growth of fungal organisms colonizing the India currency was studied. The samples were collected from various habitats of India culture and the subjected to microscopic and macroscopic study. The fungi were both qualitatively and quantitatively more during October, December, January and August. Totally 57 species were recorded. Aspergillus species were the predominant among other fungal species over the Indian currency collected from ten important public places. These fungi showed celluloytic activity and hence they could easily colonize the Indian paper currencies and spoil them. Aspergillosis is considered as the second most common fungal infection caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. The currency notes could possibly responsible for the transmission of the potential pathogenic microorganisms. The results indicated that improper handling of currency is also one of the reasons for the transmission of different microorganisms and for causing various diseases.