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Mammalian Meat Allergy and IgE to Alpha-Gal in Central Virginia: Findings From a COVID-19 Vaccine and Patient Cohort.
- Source :
-
The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice [J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract] 2024 Oct; Vol. 12 (10), pp. 2817-2825.e2. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Jun 27. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Background: IgE to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) is linked to tick bites and an important cause of anaphylaxis and urticarial reactions to mammalian meat. The alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is recognized as being common in the southeastern United States. However, prevalence studies are lacking and open questions remain about risk factors and clinical presentation of alpha-gal sensitization.<br />Objective: Here we characterized the prevalence as well as the presentation and risk factors of AGS and alpha-gal IgE sensitization in adults in central Virginia recruited without regard to the history of allergic disease.<br />Methods: Adults in central Virginia, primarily University of Virginia Health employees, were recruited as part of a COVID-19 vaccine study. Subjects provided at least one blood sample and answered questionnaires about medical and dietary history. We used ImmunoCAP for IgE assays and assessed the ABO blood group by reverse typing using stored serum. We also investigated biobanked serum from COVID-19 patients.<br />Results: Median age of the 267 enrollees was 42 years, 76% were female, and 43 (16%) were sensitized to alpha-gal (cutoff of 0.1 IU/mL), of which mammalian meat allergy was reported by seven (2.6%). Sensitized subjects (1) were older, (2) had higher total IgE levels but a similar frequency of IgE to common respiratory allergens, and (3) were more likely to report tick bites than were nonsensitized subjects. Among those who were sensitized, alpha-gal IgE levels were higher among meat-allergic than nonallergic subjects (geometric mean, 9.0 vs 0.5 IU/mL; P < .001). Mammalian meat and dairy consumption was common in individuals with low-level sensitization.<br />Conclusion: In central Virginia, AGS is a dominant cause of adult food allergy with a prevalence approaching or exceeding 2%.<br /> (Copyright © 2024 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Subjects :
- Humans
Female
Male
Adult
Virginia epidemiology
Middle Aged
COVID-19 Vaccines immunology
COVID-19 Vaccines adverse effects
SARS-CoV-2 immunology
Cohort Studies
Tick Bites immunology
Tick Bites epidemiology
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Allergens immunology
Animals
Meat
Aged
Disaccharides immunology
Immunoglobulin E blood
Food Hypersensitivity epidemiology
Food Hypersensitivity immunology
Food Hypersensitivity diagnosis
COVID-19 immunology
COVID-19 epidemiology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 2213-2201
- Volume :
- 12
- Issue :
- 10
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 38944197
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2024.06.035