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Alpha-gal syndrome: the first report in Poland
Mirella Brzozowska1, Natalia Mokrzycka2, Grzegorz Porebski3
1Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases, Clinical Hospital of the Pomeranian Medical University, Police, Poland.
Central-European Journal of Immunology
|November 12, 2021
Summary
Alpha-gal syndrome, an IgE-mediated allergy to galactose-α-1,3-galactose, causes delayed anaphylaxis after red meat consumption. This report details a case in Poland, indicating the allergy may appear in new geographic regions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Alpha-gal syndrome is an IgE-dependent allergy to the carbohydrate galactose-α-1,3-galactose.
- It is triggered by tick bites and can cause delayed anaphylaxis to red meat.
- Cross-reactivity with drugs like cetuximab is also noted.
Observation:
- A patient in Poland experienced five anaphylactic reactions within three months.
- Reactions occurred hours after consuming red meat (pork, beef, mutton) and followed tick bites.
- Specific IgE antibodies to alpha-gal were significantly elevated (72.6 kAU/l).
Findings:
- This case represents the first reported instance of alpha-gal syndrome in Central-Eastern Europe.
- Elevated IgE levels confirmed alpha-gal allergy, while other food allergen IgE levels were normal.
- The findings suggest alpha-gal syndrome may be underdiagnosed in new geographic areas.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of alpha-gal syndrome is crucial to prevent severe or life-threatening anaphylactic events.
- Increased awareness is needed among clinicians in Central-Eastern Europe regarding this emerging allergy.
- The geographic spread of alpha-gal syndrome highlights the importance of monitoring tick-borne disease associations.
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