Increasing prevalence of galactose-α-1,3-galactose sensitization in the Danish general adult population.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Alpha-gal syndrome is a novel food allergy to the oligosaccharide galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) present in mammalian meat. Tick bites are considered an important route of sensitization to alpha-gal. Data on alpha-gal sensitization in the general population is scant. We utilized a unique data source of repeated population-based health examination studies to assess prevalence, time trends, risk factors, and characteristics of alpha-gal sensitization.

Methods

Alpha-gal sensitization was assessed in >11.000 adults from four health examination studies of randomly invited residents in the Copenhagen region conducted in 1990-1991, 2011-2012, 2012-2015, and 2016-2017. Alpha-gal sensitization was defined as serum specific IgE (sIgE) to alpha-gal ≥0.1 kU_A

SUBMITTER: Leth-Moller KB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11724227 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature