Alpha-gal syndrome: the first report in Poland

Alpha-gal syndrome is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-dependent allergy to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, resulting in a delayed anaphylactic reaction to red meat. The syndrome is causally linked to bites from ticks and associated with cross-reactivity to some drugs, e.g. cetuximab. Although cases of alpha-gal allergy have already been reported in a few European countries, to our best knowledge, no cases have been reported so far in Central-Eastern Europe. In the current report, we describe a case of alpha-gal syndrome diagnosed in Poland, to highlight the fact that it may occur in new geographic areas. Within three months, the described patient underwent five anaphylactic reactions with typical clinical manifestations. They developed a few hours after ingestion of red meat (pork, beef or mutton) and were preceded by tick bites. The level of specific IgE antibodies to alpha-gal reached 72.6 kAU/l, whereas the levels of specific IgE antibodies to other food allergens were within the reference range. As the onset of symptoms in this syndrome is usually delayed, numerous cases may be identified as idiopathic anaphylaxis, while early diagnosis is indispensable to avoid potentially life-threatening complications.

Automated summary

Alpha-gal syndrome is an IgE-dependent allergy to a specific sugar in red meat, commonly triggered by tick bites. Early diagnosis is essential as symptoms are often mistaken for idiopathic anaphylaxis, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.