Contamination of coins and banknotes as sources of transmission of parasitic pathogens: a pilot study from Iran

This study was conducted to determine the presence, type, and rate of parasitic contamination in Iranian currencies. This was a cross-sectional study. Coins and banknotes of different denominations were randomly collected from sellers and markets in Tabriz, Northwest of Iran, for examining parasitic contamination. Entamoeba coli and Giardia intestinalis were the most identified species of parasites in this study. Other parasites detected were Cryptosporidium parvum, Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica, Fasciola hepatica, and Toxocara cati. A high rate of parasitic contamination was found in banknotes compared with coins, and a statistically significant association was found between parasitic contamination and the apparent condition of the currencies. The notes of lower denominations showed the highest contamination rates. The highest parasitic contamination was found in coins and banknotes obtained from public toilet services, butchers, and beggars. The findings emphasize the role of circulating coins and banknotes in the risk of pathogenic parasite transmission. •Both coin and banknote currencies can be potential environmental vehicles for transmission of parasites.•Entamoeba coli and Giardia intestinalis were the most identified species of parasites in Iranian coins and banknotes.•The highest parasitic contamination was found in coins and banknotes obtained from toilet conductors, butchers, and beggars.•Health education of people on proper handling and care of currency should be advocated to reduce its contamination.