Study of Fungal Contamination in Tinea Patient’s Money

Background and Objectives: Dermatophytosis is a common contagious disease caused by fungi known as dermatophytes. Dermatophytes belong to a group of organisms that are able to break down the keratin in tissues such as the epidermis , hair and nails.Material and Methods: In this survey we examined fungal contaminations of Iranian coins and paper bills obtained from tinea patients. A total of 600 papers and 100 coins were examined. Of the 600 paper bills tested, 400 were obtained from tinea patients,100 were from general population, and 100 were new un-touched bills . The paper bills were cultured on Scc medium (1 gr/lit)containing cycloheximide according to aseptic condition. One Scc plate was used for each bill .The coins were also cultured on the same Scc media by both direct contact as well as scotch tape method. Results: 6 dermatophytes (1.6%) were obtained from the 400 paper bills from tinea patients). Of these six , 2 were E.floccosum and 4 were T.mentagrophytis.Conclusion: The money of tinea patients, are able to transfer the disease to general population but there is not enough sensitivity, to take money from these patients. So we must take appropriate strategies to prevent these contaminations