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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Will I Catch Infection From The Germs Having Immune Deficiency Disorder?

I was driving when a dime fell from from a compartment above my visor. I realized approximately an hour later that a dime had fallen inside my cup of lemonade. I drank the entire glass before seeing the dime. I have an immune deficiency disorder and am worried about catching an infection from the gems that were on the dime. What should I do? Am I over reacting?
Mon, 27 Jan 2014
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Infectious Diseases Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

Welcome to HCM.

I understand your concern regarding acquiring infection by ingestion of germs which were most probably on the dime. There is less likely chance of that as many bacteria which are in the environment are saprophytic and rarely cause human disease. As the dime had fallen in the lemonade which is basically citric acid, there are less chances of bacteria surviving in it. Even if they have entered the body through ingestion, they are easily destroyed by enzymes present in saliva and in gastric juice.
I suggest you do not worry unnecessarily about this episode but as you are suffering from a immune deficiency disorder it is better to be cautious in future.
Thanks.

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Will I Catch Infection From The Germs Having Immune Deficiency Disorder?

Hi, Welcome to HCM. I understand your concern regarding acquiring infection by ingestion of germs which were most probably on the dime. There is less likely chance of that as many bacteria which are in the environment are saprophytic and rarely cause human disease. As the dime had fallen in the lemonade which is basically citric acid, there are less chances of bacteria surviving in it. Even if they have entered the body through ingestion, they are easily destroyed by enzymes present in saliva and in gastric juice. I suggest you do not worry unnecessarily about this episode but as you are suffering from a immune deficiency disorder it is better to be cautious in future. Thanks.