The Frequency of Beef Allergy in Children with Cow Milk Allergy

Abstract Background Children with cow’s milk allergy may be instructed to avoid beef since it is recognized that there is cross-reactivity of bovine serum albumin and bovine γ-globulin which are present in both milk and beef. The true prevalence of beef allergy has been studied only in few researches. Aim The primary objective was to determine the frequency of allergy to beef meat in children with cow’s milk protein allergy by serum measurement. The Secondary objective was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of beef IgE in relation to the gold standard of challenge test through introduction of cooked beef. Methods Cross sectional study conducted on 96 children from seven months to three years old newly diagnosed with cow milk allergy at Gastroenterology Unit and Allergy, Rheumatology and Immunology Unit, Ain Shams University. Then, serum specific IgE for beef and oral food challenge test have been done. Results In this study, 96 children diagnosed with cow’s milk allergy have been included. Specific IgE for beef showed that 78 patients (81.25%) were positive while 18 patients (18.75%) were negative. Then, all patients were suspected to oral challenge test where they were asked to eat well cooked beef with gradual doses. 22.3% of patients suffered from gastrointestinal symptoms while 18.1%, 10.6% and 5.3% of patients suffered from skin symptoms, napkin dermatitis and respiratory symptoms, respectively. Conclusion Children allergic to milk protein are not necessarily to be allergic to cooked beef. Thus, elimination of beef from the diet of children with cow’s milk allergy should not be done except after oral challenge test to not lose its nutritional value without benefit.