Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 3, 2026
Automation of Bio-Atomic Force Microscope Measurements on Hundreds of C. albicans Cells
Published on: April 2, 2021
A Case of Auto-brewery Syndrome Treated with Micafungin
Jessie Saverimuttu1, Fahad Malik2, Marutha Arulthasan3
1Infectious Disease, Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, USA.
Abstract:
Auto-brewery syndrome is caused by alcohol brewing inside the human body; it is a rare clinical condition where the patient becomes inebriated without exogenous alcohol use. Yeast is responsible, and treatment requires an appropriate antifungal agent. If undiagnosed, the patient's life becomes a misery. We present a case of a 45-year-old male who suffered from this condition for over three years with two arrests for driving under the influence prior to being diagnosed. The patient stated that he felt the episodes were related to his meal intakes; therefore, he would skip most meals of the day. The patient visited several centers where he was told there was not much they could offer him and he was left without a diagnosis. A carbohydrate challenge test in a monitored setting showed elevated blood alcohol levels. He was treated with antifungals and a low carbohydrate diet which resulted in the resolution of his symptoms. Hence the importance of awareness among physicians is necessary along with a high index of suspicion.
Insights
Auto-brewery syndrome, a rare condition where the body produces alcohol, was successfully treated. This case highlights the importance of physician awareness and suspicion for diagnosing this debilitating condition.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Auto-brewery syndrome (ABS) is a rare condition characterized by endogenous ethanol production.
- Patients experience intoxication without exogenous alcohol consumption, leading to significant quality of life impairment and diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old male presented with a three-year history of unexplained inebriation, linked to meal intake.
- He experienced multiple driving under the influence arrests before diagnosis.
- Previous medical evaluations failed to identify the cause.
Findings:
- A carbohydrate challenge test confirmed elevated blood alcohol levels.
- The patient was diagnosed with auto-brewery syndrome caused by yeast fermentation.
- Treatment involved antifungal medication and a low-carbohydrate diet.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of physician awareness and a high index of suspicion for diagnosing ABS.
- Timely diagnosis and appropriate management, including dietary modifications, can resolve symptoms and improve patient quality of life.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and optimal treatment strategies for ABS is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
01:29Fungal Group Zygomycota
01:23Microbial Fermentation