Allergy to galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-gal) – A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Meat allergy represents 3-15% of food allergies in paediatrics and 3% in adults. Galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-gal) is an allergen present in non-primate mammals’ meat, responsible for crossed reactions with cetuximab and gelatine. Case description: 62-year-old male patient was sent to an Immunoallergology outpatient clinic for acetylsalicylic acid desensitization. He reported reproducible anaphylactic reactions beginning 3 hours after red meat ingestion. Currently, the patient strictly avoids red meat. The investigation confirmed sensitization to red meat and α-gal. Discussion/Conclusions: α-gal allergy presents some uncommon characteristics: the trigger (oligosaccharide), IgE-mediated reaction with late-onset, and the association with previous tick bites, responsible for primary sensitization. Patients must avoid red meat and tick bites and have an emergency plan with an adrenalin auto-injector.