Can Someone with a Shellfish Allergy Have a Reaction to Alligator Meat?
There is very little medical information on this. The allergens in shellfish are different than the allergens in alligator meat. The main allergen in shellfish is called tropomyosin. It is a protein found in animals called invertebrates, such as shellfish, octopus, and insects. Tropomyosin does not cross-react with parvalbumin allergenic proteins. Parvalbumin proteins are found in animals called vertebrates, such as fish, mammals, and reptiles.
The risk is very low for people with shellfish allergy to have a reaction after eating alligator meat. But it is encouraged that your partner avoid eating alligator meat until they have an allergy evaluation. An allergist could review the medical history and do specific allergy testing. If needed, the allergist could also do an oral food challenge to rule out an allergy to alligator meat. This information would provide the safest and most practical advice for your partner.
John M. James, MD, is a board-certified allergist. He is also President of Food Allergy Consulting and Education Services, LLC. He has worked as a medical specialist in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology for over 30 years. Dr. James received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee. He is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
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