[The alpha-gal syndrome: an allergic reaction to mammalian meat secondary to a tick bite]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2017:161:D1062.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

Here we present the case of a 68-year-old patient with alpha-gal syndrome. This is a delayed-onset allergic reaction, characteristically occurring 2-6 hours after ingestion of mammalian meat products. The reaction occurs because the patient has developed IgE antibodies to a mammalian oligosaccharide epitope, galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal); tick bites induce this IgE antibody response. Presentation varies from chronic urticaria to life-threatening anaphylaxis. The alpha-gal syndrome is usually self-limiting as long as there are no new tick bites. Clinicians should be aware of this syndrome, which is often not recognized as such.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disaccharides
  • Food Hypersensitivity / diagnosis*
  • Galactose / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Meat*
  • Tick Bites*

Substances

  • Disaccharides
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Galactose