Alpha-gal syndrome and delayed anaphylaxis after ingestion of red meat: A case report

Abstract

α-gal syndrome (AGS) is caused by the intake of products containing α-gal (galactose-α-1,3-galactose) like mammalian meat. Over the last decade, scientific literature about AGS has been increasing, but the true burden of cases is still unknown [ 1 , 2 ]. In the USA (University of Virginia Allergy Clinic), the number of confirmed cases of AGS was 24 in 2009 [ 3 ] and increased to 34,000 in the entire USA by 2019 [ 4 ]. As shown in surveys, in Italy AGS is present throughout the country [ 5 ]. The literature suggests that a previous tick bite can cause AGS, but in our case it was not possible to demonstrate this association as the patient did not recall any tick bite, even in childhood. After eating red meat, a 56-year-old male patient had developed symptoms such as a generalized urticaria, diarrhea, and faintness, requiring admission to the Emergency Department. The diagnosis was verified using blood CAP-FEIA test and prick-to-prick test. After completing the diagnostic process, we provided the patient with emergency therapy, and auto-injectable adrenaline was prescribed. Despite the diagnosis, the patient ate red meat once again which resulted in severe urticaria 2 hours after the meal, requiring a second visit to the Emergency Room. Now the patient is under follow-up at our Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.