Alpha-galactose allergy

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Alpha-galactose allergy or alpha-gal allergy or alpha-gal syndrome, also known as meat allergy or mammalian meat allergy (MMA) is a reaction to the carbohydrate, galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal).[1] The body is overloaded with immunoglobulin E (IGE) or contact with the meat-derived carbohydrate.[2]

The alpha-gal molecule is found in all mammals except apes, humans, and Old World monkeys.[3] This allergy most often begins when a Lone Star tick bite transmits a molecule called alpha-gal into the body. In some people, an immune system reaction may later produce mild to severe allergic reactions when red meat is eaten.[4]

The cancer drug, cetuximab (trade name, Erbitux), can cause a reaction in people who live in regions with a high population of Lone Star ticks suggestion a possible link between between Lone Star tick bites and an increased vulnerability to alpha-gal syndrome.[4]

Treatment

There is no treatment other than not eating red meat.[4]

Symptoms

See also

Learn more

References

  1. Tick Allergy, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, November 8, 2016, retrieved October 27, 2019
  2. Commins, Scott P.; Platts-Mills, Thomas A. E. (February 2013). "Delayed Anaphylaxis to Red Meat in Patients with IgE Specific for Galactose alpha-1,3-Galactose (alpha-gal)". Current allergy and asthma reports. 13 (1): 72–77. doi:10.1007/s11882-012-0315-y. ISSN 1529-7322. PMC 3545071. PMID 23054628.
  3. Galili, Uri (September 1, 1993). "Evolution and pathophysiology of the human natural anti-α-galactosyl IgG (anti-Gal) antibody". Springer Seminars in Immunopathology. 15 (2): 155–171. doi:10.1007/BF00201098. ISSN 1432-2196.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Alpha-gal syndrome - Symptoms and causes". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  5. "Omalizumab". Reactions Weekly. 1740 (1): 254–254. February 2019. doi:10.1007/s40278-019-58147-3. ISSN 0114-9954.