Through a case study investigation, this video provides a comprehensive overview of auto-brewery syndrome, a fascinating (and very rare) condition. In an individual with auto-brewery syndrome, an overgrowth of fungi or bacteria ferments carbohydrates into ethanol (alcohol), leading to symptoms of intoxication. Treatments can include antifungals, antibiotics, and dieting (carbohydrate restrictions). Finally, auto-brewery syndrome has significant medicolegal implications, specifically in regard to drunk-driving charges.

This video was made by McMaster University students Tharani De Silva, Fajjar Aqeel, Zoe Komlos, and Lara Armstrong in collaboration with the Demystifying Medicine McMaster Program.

Music and graphics were made with, and are owned by, Animaker and Canva.

This video is provided for general and educational information only. Please consult your health care provider for information about your health.

Copyright McMaster University 2024

#AutoBrewerySyndrome #ABS #fermentation #microbiome #metabolism

References:
Akhavan, B. J., Ostrosky-Zeichner, L., & Thomas, E. J. (2019). Drunk Without Drinking: A Case of Auto-Brewery Syndrome. ACG case reports journal, 6(9), e00208. https://doi.org/10.14309/crj.00000000...

Bayoumy, A. B., Mulder, C. J. J., Mol, J. J., & Tushuizen, M. E. (2021). Gut fermentation syndrome: A systematic review of case reports. United European gastroenterology journal, 9(3), 332–342. https://doi.org/10.1002/ueg2.12062

Dinis-Oliveira R. J. (2021). The Auto-Brewery Syndrome: A Perfect Metabolic "Storm" with Clinical and Forensic Implications. Journal of clinical medicine, 10(20), 4637. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10204637

Logan BK, Jones AW. Endogenous Ethanol ‘Auto-Brewery Syndrome’ as a Drunk-Driving Defence Challenge. Medicine, Science and the Law. 2000;40(3):206-215. doi:10.1177/002580240004000304

Painter K, Cordell BJ, Sticco KL. Auto-Brewery Syndrome. [Updated 2023 Jan 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NB...

Tameez Ud Din, A., Alam, F., Tameez-Ud-Din, A., & Chaudhary, F. M. D. (2020). Auto-Brewery Syndrome: A Clinical Dilemma. Cureus, 12(10), e10983. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.10983