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Date Night Gone Wrong

An Unusual Case of Alcoholic Fermentation

By Cocoa T. Dixon

Date Night Gone Wrong


 

Abstract

In this clicker case study, students review and apply their knowledge of alcoholic fermentation to a rare clinical condition called auto-brewery syndrome (ABS). After “Natasha” and her husband “Greg” enjoy a pasta dinner, she later awakens with a headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Natasha has a history of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and is also pre-diabetic. In the emergency room, testing rules out COVID-19, influenza, UTIs, and pregnancy. The attending ER physician notes however that Natasha has a blood alcohol level of 0.26%, but she assures the medical staff that she has not consumed any alcoholic beverages. The ER physician recalls a similar case and orders a stool analysis to test for yeast. The results indicate an overgrowth of yeast, suggesting that Natasha is most likely suffering from auto-brewery syndrome. This case was developed for a first-year college general biology course to reinforce fermentation concepts. It is also suitable for advanced placement high school courses.

   

Date Posted

04/16/2025

Overview

Objectives

  • Identify the starting materials and products of alcoholic fermentation.
  • Explain the alcoholic fermentation process.
  • List organisms that carry out alcoholic fermentation.
  • Explain how anaerobic conditions in the human body contribute to health issues when yeast such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae proliferate.
  • Describe a health issue that results from the overgrowth of yeast in the gut.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge and critical thinking skills to a real-world healthcare scenario.

Keywords

Fermentation; auto-brewery syndrome; yeast; ethanol; endogenous fermentation; gut; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; drunkenness disease;

  

Subject Headings

Biology (General)

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

  

FORMAT

PPTX, DOCX

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Clicker

 

 

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