Hepatitis B virus detected in paper currencies in a densely populated city of India: A plausible source of horizontal transmission?

CONCLUSION: It is a common practice in the Indian subcontinent to count paper currencies by applying saliva on fingertips. Paper notes may be a potential source of "horizontal" transmission of this virus, especially if there are cuts/bruises on the oral mucous membrane or skin, but it was practically not possible to demonstrate experimentally such transmission. Detection of potentially intact/viable and "occult" HBV from currency poses potential risk of silent transmission of this virus among the general population. PMID: 33200016 [PubMed]
Source: World Journal of Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: World J Hepatol Source Type: research