Researchers Identify Bacteria Behind Mysterious Intoxication

Researchers Identify Bacteria Responsible for Auto-Brewery Syndrome

A team of researchers has discovered that certain intestinal bacteria can produce enough alcohol to cause real intoxication, even without the affected individuals consuming alcoholic beverages. This rare condition, known as auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), causes individuals to experience states of intoxication despite the absence of alcohol consumption.

The study was conducted by a team at Mass General Brigham in collaboration with researchers from the University of California San Diego, and was published on January 7 in scientific journals. Auto-brewery syndrome occurs when specific microbiota in the intestines break down carbohydrates and convert them into ethanol (alcohol), which then enters the bloodstream. While all humans can produce very small amounts of alcohol during digestion, those with ABS can produce sufficient levels to trigger noticeable intoxication.

Nearly 22 patients diagnosed with ABS, along with healthy partners, were studied to analyze differences in the composition and activity of the gut microbiome. Laboratory tests showed that stool samples taken from patients during active episodes of ABS produced significantly more ethanol compared to those from their healthy partners.

Researchers also identified specific bacterial species, including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, as key contributors to this syndrome. In some cases, patients showed significant improvements after undergoing fecal microbiota transplants.

Experts emphasize that although the syndrome is rare, it is often misdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness and social stigma. This finding paves the way for the development of tests based on stool analyses, which could enable more accurate diagnoses of this condition.