Survey of Parasite contamination of in Coins and Bills Circulating in the City of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro State

Abstract

Epidemiological studies demonstrate a high prevalence of intestinal parasites in Brazil. Inanimated objects, especially those with large circulation, become epidemiologically relevant when they transmit forms of parasites great resistance to the environment. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the frequency of parasite contamination of coins and bills collected from commercial establishments with large circulation of currency in the city of Niteroi-RJ. Sample collection and processing was performed according to Levai et al. (1986), with minor changes. A total of 89
samples (60 bills and 29 group of coins) were collected at commercial establishments in different neighborhoods of Niteroi. Bills of R$2.00 and R$5.00 were collected and stored separately in plastic bags until processing. Coins of R$0.50, R$0.10 and R$1.00 collected from each place were stored in plastic bags and processed together. Five slides from each sample were analyzed under optical microscope. Of the 60 bills analyzed, 4 (6.7%) were positive for nematode larvae and 4 (6.7%) for arthropods. The larvae observed in those samples were partially altered and thus a better
identification was not possible. One bill of R$5.00 was positive for arthropods and a nematode egg, which contained a partially altered larvae inside. All the coins analyzed were negative. Among contaminated samples, 62.5% were collected in establishments that commercialize food. The presence of nematode larvae, arthropods and a nematode egg indicated that bills and coins, because of their rapid and indiscriminate circulation, can be potential carriers of parasitic structures capable
of infecting humans.