Alpha-gal Allergy in a 6-Year-Old Male: A Case Report

Alpha-gal allergy is a reaction where the immunoglobulin E antibody elicits a response to galactose-alpha-l,3-galactose (alpha-gal) which is a mammalian oligosaccharide epitope found in nonprimate mammalian. After being exposed to a tick bite, particularly the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum), an individual has been known to develop an alpha-gal allergy. Our patient presented with symptoms of delayed-onset allergy 3-8 hours after consuming mammalian meat products including beef and pork. These symptoms can include, but not limited to, the following: urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion. Since symptoms do not present immediately, a delay in diagnosis can occur. Our patient highlights one of the few reported childhood cases with an alpha-gal allergy. We recommend a careful history, in particular, asking if the patient has a past history of tick bites and the appearance of allergy symptoms following beef or pork consumption.