Patients with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), an immunoglobulin-E (IgE)-mediated allergy to galactose-alpha-1,3 galactose, share several laboratory and clinical features, according to a study published in Allergy. Investigators analyzed a cohort of patients (N=100) to identify features unique to specific alpha-gal-containing product exposures, symptoms, and severity. Most patients (86%) reported a history of tick bite. Additionally, based on involvement o two or more organ systems, 75% of patients met criteria for anaphylaxis. Patients who reported reactions to dairy were more likely to report gastrointestinal symptoms (79% vs 59%; ratio [95% CI]: 1.3 [0.7-2.6]) and were less likely to experience isolated mucocutaneous symptoms (3% vs 24%; ratio [95% CI]: 0.1 [0.1, 0.3]) than those who were dairy-tolerant. Patients who were dairy-tolerant also demonstrated higher alpha-gal sIgE titers (as a percentage of total IgE) than patients who were dairy-reactive. Since “anaphylaxis was common” among these patients, it underscores “the severity and need to raise awareness of AGS among patients and [clinicians],” the study authors noted.
