High prevalence of sIgE to Galactose‐α‐1,3‐galactose in rural pre‐Alps area: a cross‐sectional study

An unusual case of positive sIgE to Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose from South Italy

“…Overall, the factors which feed into the equation to produce a reaction are clearly complex and variable, especially in the setting of an IgE Ab to α-Gal that may 'naturally' decrease over time (9). In this patients, the risk factors like number of tick bites during the lifetime and recent tick bites did not show a higher value of positivity, as it has been described by Villalta et al (7). On the other hand, we agree with this author with respect to the risk factors associated with increased sIgE to α-Gal, like atopy (this patient suffer from a poly-sensitized allergic rhinitis), male gender and hunting.…”

“…Subsequently, in Australia (4) and in Europe (5) cases of delayed anaphylaxis related to IgE-mediates alpha-gal sensitisation have been described, although the tick responsible seems to be Ixodes in Europe, while Amblyoma americanum seems to be the vector in the USA. Recently, in Italy both allergy (6) and a high prevalence of sIgE to Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose have been described in rural areas (7). Therefore, we've decided to investigate if this oligosaccharide could be detected in South Italy.…”

Developments in the field of allergy in 2016 through the eyes of Clinical and Experimental Allergy

“…IgE antibodies against galactose‐a‐1,3‐galactose (a‐Gal) have been associated with severe anaphylactic reactions with first use of cetuximab and delayed anaphylactic reactions with red meat. Villalta et al have found a high prevalence of sIgE to a‐Gal in people living in a rural village in the Italian Alps where there is a high exposure to ticks . Further work is required to look at whether they are symptomatic with red meats.…”

“…Villalta et al have found a high prevalence of sIgE to a-Gal in people living in a rural village in the Italian Alps where there is a high exposure to ticks. 87 Further work is required to look at whether they are symptomatic with red meats.…”

Galactose-α-1,3-galactose syndrome: an Italian survey

“…though a study carried out on a population living in pre-Alps area and largely exposed to bites of Ixodes ricinus showed a high prevalence of sensitization to α-Gal (19). In this study we report the results of a survey on α-Gal syndrome carried out among the members of the AAIITO (the Italian Association of Allergists and Immunologists working on the Territory) with the aim of evaluating the presence, clinical features, and distribution of α-Gal syndrome in Italy.…”