Nihon Shoni Arerugi Gakkaishi. The Japanese Journal of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Online ISSN : 1882-2738
Print ISSN : 0914-2649
ISSN-L : 0914-2649
Galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) syndrome considered to be in remission due to decreased α-Gal-specific IgE levels after tick avoidance instruction
Hideki Yoshikawa
Author information
JOURNAL RESTRICTED ACCESS

2024 Volume 38 Issue 1 Pages 18-23

Details
Abstract

Galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) syndrome is a syndrome in which delayed allergic symptoms are induced by veterinary meat containing the sugar chain α-Gal as a consequence of percutaneous sensitization to α-Gal via tick bites. It is expected that avoidance of ticks, which are the source of sensitization, may cause remission of this syndrome. We report here a case in which α-Gal-specific IgE levels decreased after instruction in tick avoidance, and the syndrome was considered to be in remission. A 15-year-old girl presented with anaphylaxis thought to be caused by beef, and was diagnosed with the syndrome because of a positive α-Gal-specific IgE level. The patient had a history of tick bites and kept many cats indoors and outdoors, and was instructed to keep cats outdoors for tick avoidance. α-Gal-specific IgE levels decreased from 3.61 before instruction to 0.40 17 months later. A 100 g heated beef challenge test conducted 25 months later was negative, indicating that the patient was in remission. Cats played an important role in α-Gal sensitization in the patient, and it was thought that the syndrome may have gone into remission because the patient was less likely to be bitten by ticks.

Content from these authors
© 2024 Japanese Society of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Previous article Next article
feedback
Top