Revealed: The life threatening bacteria on your cash
The study conducted with the help of London Metropolitan University in 2018 took samples from 36 British coins, paper and polymer bank notes. 19 different types of bacteria were discovered including MRSA&nbsp; and Listeria.
Some of the most common bacteria were:

Bacteria found in faeces: This can cause urinary tract infections and septicemia. Bacteria which can cause thrush, nappy rash and diarrhoea was also found.

Listeria: Found on the 20p, 50p and £1, as well as the £5, £10 and £20 notes. The bacteria can lead to infection which is usually caught by eating contaminated food. The infection can cause food poisoning and even miscarriage. There have been 47 cases of Listeria reported as of June 2018 and 9 deaths.

Enterococcus faecium: Found on the 2p, 5p and 10p coins as well as the £10 note. It is also present on the World Health Organisation's list of antibiotic resistant bacteria. It can cause infections of the abdomen, skin, urinary tract and blood. People with lowered immune systems are particularly susceptible to this infection.

Staphyloccus Aureus (MRSA): The 2p, 5p, 10p, £1 and £2 coins, and the £10, £20 and £50 notes were all found to have Staphyloccus Aureus (MRSA). This antibiotic resistant bacteria is listed as one of the greatest threats to life by the WHO. It can cause boils, impetigo, food poisoning, cellulitis and toxic shock syndrome.

People who have compromised immune systems could be most at risk from handling dirty money - if you're visiting people in hospital who might be vulnerable to infection, you could unknowingly transfer bacteria off your cash which is resistant to antibiotics.

One of the most shocking discoveries was finding so many microorganisms thriving on metal, an element you wouldn't normally expect to see germs surviving on. The bugs have adapted to their environment, resulting in coins becoming a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

It's shocking to see that two of the world's most dangerous bacteria were on the money we tested.

Despite thinking that newer polymer notes would be cleaner, we were appalled to find out even they were growing some life threatening bugs. Our research supports the continued move towards a cashless society and might be the end of the line for our dirty money. I suspect people may think twice before choosing to pay with cash knowing they could be handed back change laced with superbugs.

We'd recommend and remind people to wash their hands thoroughly after handling money to help prevent spreading harmful bacteria.

Source: Salman Haqqi, Personal Finance Expert at money.co.uk