A 50-year-old woman from Canada developed autobrewery syndrome: Due to a yeast infection, her body began to produce alcohol, leading to symptoms of alcohol poisoning. This was reported by PCR.News.
Autobrewery syndrome is a rare disease known since 1848. It occurs when there is an overgrowth of microbes in the intestines that can convert carbohydrates into alcohol, most often yeast. In this case, consuming large amounts of carbohydrates (bread, sweets, pastries, fruits) can lead to symptoms of alcohol poisoning.
The patient visited the emergency room seven times for alcohol poisoning over the course of two years, Canadian doctors reported. He experienced drowsiness so severe that he suddenly fell asleep while getting ready for work or preparing a meal. On examination, he was found to have slurred speech, the smell of alcohol on his breath, and difficulty maintaining balance. Blood alcohol level was 39 mmol/l (normal)
At the seventh hospital visit, his blood alcohol level was 62 mmol/L. Doctors diagnosed autobrewery syndrome and prescribed antifungal treatment (fluconazole). After a month of therapy and diet, the symptoms completely disappeared. A return to increased carbohydrate intake led to a relapse of the disease. After repeated treatment, the patient was prescribed a probiotic containing the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus. After a few months, the patient was allowed to return to normal nutrition.
The patient’s condition was caused by frequent use of antibiotics to combat urinary tract infections. The patient was also taking the medication dexlansoprazole for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. These drugs, combined with the patient’s genetic predisposition, led to the development of brewing syndrome.
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