Bacteria from a coin, SEM - stock photo

Bacteria from a coin. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of bacteria cultured from a english one pound coin. A study that tested a random selection of coins and notes of all denominations discovered the presence of 19 kinds of bacteria, including two life threatening bacteria associated with antibiotic resistant superbugs - Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Enterococcus faecium (VRE). Bacteria associated with MRSA was discovered on the 2p, 5p, 10p, £1 and £2 coins, as well as the £10, £20 and £50 notes. MRSA can lead to boils, skin infections, food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome. The bacteria Enterococcus faecium was found on the 2p, 5p and 10p coins as well as the £10 note. This bacteria can cause blood, abdomen, skin and urinary tract infections. Magnification: x2600 when printed at 10cm wide.