Currency notes spread diseases

New Delhi/Hyderabad, August 17: Ever heard of bacteria on currency notes? Surprised. But it is true. Currency notes, especially of Rs 10, Rs 20 and Rs 100 denominations carry micro-organisms. This was proved by a group of Indian scientists after conducting several tests. They found out 78 bacteria and 18 antibiotic resistant-genes on the sample notes they tested. This team of scientists from Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research and Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology tested the currency notes, collected from street vendors, provisional stores, canteens, hotels, hardware and other shops from Delhi Metropolitan area. According to them, these bacteria found on the notes will cause skin diseases, digestion, TB and others. They suggested to wash the hands after touching the notes. Due to contamination of diseases and for other reasons, several countries including Australia have banned paper currency notes and were using plastic currency.