What Are The Chances Of Spreading Germs By Using Common Cup?

Posted on Thu, 17 Jan 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 Answered on

Tue, 5 Feb 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : There is a Church with whom I am on very friendly terms, which uses just one cup,only, of wine for their Communion Service.This cup is passed round for everyone to drink from it. Does this practise present a health hazard problem?I am not in the Medical Profession but am aware that there are "germs" caled E-coli, Staphlechocus,Streptachocas(my spelling may not be right!). I wondered if germs could be spread by this usage of one cup. I ak out of genuine sincereity, not out of any other motive. Please accept my thanks for help on this aspect.

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (36 minutes later)

Hello and welcome to HCM

Your concern is genuine
Oral cavity contain many commensal bacteria. These commensal bacteria do not cause disease in an individual whose immunity is not compromised. When the immunity of an individual falls due to any reason like immunodeficiency, medication etc., these organism can cause infection.
Besides many bacteria are present on hands and lips of all individuals. This type of sharing leads to transference of the micro-organisms. Anyone with low immunity can catch the infection.
From hygiene point of view, it is unhealthy for so many people to share one cup.

If case of more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Dr Shailja P Wahal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar