When scientists at the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) started a pilot project on existence of microbes over currency notes... they were not aware of the `deadly` numbers present on the notes. They found the traces of almost 80 micro organisms on the paper money from south Delhi.

A research done by `master card` in European countries corroborates the Indian research. It was found that an average European note is an abode for 26000  bacteria. And there are more germs found on £1 coin than on a toilet seat. The microbes found on the notes could not only result in diseases like dysentery and tuberculosis... DNA of certain germs revealed that they could make you resistant to antibiotics!!! Some researchers even fear that currency notes can be changed into the weapons for spreading bio-terrorism.

Some even fear that the bacteria present on the currency notes can lead to epidemics. The virus present on the notes can travel from person to person as effectively as a sneeze. The contamination levels on the notes depend on many factors such as the moisture levels, time over which it has been circulated, people with whom it has contacted with, the texture of the note etc.,

* Though washing our hands regularly after dealing with money is the final solution, a few more precautions were suggested such as:

* Notes should be preserved at places with less moisture/ sweat. Because bacterial would flourish by leaps and bounds in such conditions.

* It would be a good procedure to wear gloves if you are in a job of handling them in bundles. And never ever lick your tongue while counting the notes.

* Plastic money (like debit card) and alternative payments (like cheques) can be preferred over the currency notes.

* Many countries like Australia were adopting polymer notes that would gather less bacteria and are washable and durable.

-Nirjara