Understanding Auto-Brewery Syndrome in 2023: A Clinical and Comprehensive Review of a Rare Medical Condition

Cureus. 2023 Apr 17;15(4):e37678. doi: 10.7759/cureus.37678. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Abstract

Auto-brewery syndrome (ABS) occurs when the gastrointestinal tract produces excessive endogenous ethanol. This article examines various aspects of ABS such as its epidemiology, underlying etiology, diagnostic difficulties, management strategies, and social implications. By synthesizing the existing medical literature, we hope to identify understanding gaps, pave the way for further research, and ultimately improve detection, treatment, and awareness. The databases we used are PubMed, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar. We carefully screened all published articles from inception till date and narrowed down 24 relevant articles. We at Richmond University Medical Center and Mount Sinai are one of the leading medical centers for diagnosing and treating this rare condition in the United States.

Keywords: alcohol use disorder (aud); auto-brewery syndrome; candida infections; gut microbiomes; metabolism of alcohol.

Publication types

  • Review