Alpha gal specific IgE positivity due to tick bites and red meat allergy: The first case report in Turkey

Abstract: Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose is a carbohydrate moiety found in the cell membranes of many organisms, commonly known as alpha-gal (alpha-Gal). This oligosaccharide is not found in the group of primates in which humans are involved. It has been found that alpha-Gal plays a key role in delayed IgE-mediated red meat allergy and this allergen is triggered by tick bites. Here we present a 7-year-old boy with alpha-gal allergy from Turkey.