Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) type II

Gene : DBT

What is maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) type II?

Maple syrup urine disease is an inherited disorder named for the maple syrup or burned sugar smell from affected infants' urine and earwax. This disease is caused by lack of the enzyme (BCKAD) needed to process certain amino acids found in all foods containing protein. These amino acids and other substances build up in the blood and can cause serious damage to the brain. Infants affected by the most severe form of MSUD show poor feeding, vomiting, and lack of energy within the first several days of life. If untreated, death can occur within the first few months after birth. With early and lifelong treatment involving a special diet, individuals may develop normally and live a normal life span. However, despite careful treatment, there is an increased risk of learning problems, mental disability, and death. Infants with less severe forms of MSUD may appear normal at birth and have normal growth, but careful life and diet management is still critical to lifelong survival. MSUD is a condition that is tested for in states that have expanded newborn screening. MSUD type 1A is caused by pathogenic variants in the BCKDHA gene, making up the alpha subunit of the BCKAD enzyme. MSUD type 1B is caused by pathogenic variants in the BCKDHB gene, making up the beta subunit of the BCKAD enzyme. MSUD type II is caused by pathogenic variants in the DBT gene, making up the E2 subunit of the BCKAD enzyme.

How is MSUD inherited?


What does it mean to be a carrier?

There are generally no signs or symptoms associated with being a carrier for MSUD. Carriers are at an increased risk of having a child affected with MSUD. Testing of reproductive partners is recommended for carriers of MSUD.

How common in MSUD?

MSUD is a rare disorder, occurring in 1 in 185,000 live births in the general population. MSUD type 1A is much more frequent in the Mennonite populations, affecting about 1 in 380 newborns. In the Ashkenazi Jewish population, about 1 in 50,000 newborns are born with MSUD. MSUD type 1B makes up about one third of all MSUD cases.

Family References and Resources
Clinician References
What is Analyzed?
  • Full gene sequencing
Affected Systems



Carrier Rates
Detection Rate
Carrier Frequency
General Population 75% 1 in 321


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