Scientists Finally Figured Out How Some People Get Drunk Without Drinking
Gizmodo • • general
Key Points:
- Researchers identified specific gut bacteria and biological pathways responsible for auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), a rare condition where gut microbes convert carbohydrates into alcohol, causing intoxication without drinking.
- The study analyzed stool samples from ABS patients, their household partners, and healthy controls, finding significantly higher ethanol production during ABS flare-ups, suggesting potential for a stool-based diagnostic test.
- Key bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were implicated in ABS, with increased fermentation-related enzymes observed during symptom episodes.
- A patient treated with fecal transplantation showed symptom improvement and sustained remission for over 16 months, indicating fecal transplants as a promising treatment avenue.
- ABS remains difficult to diagnose due to limited awareness
