Recent advances in selective allergies to mammalian milk proteins not associated with Cow's Milk Proteins Allergy

Abstract

Cow's milk proteins allergy (CMA) is an atypical immune system response to cow's milk and dairy products. It's one of the most common food allergies in children affecting 8% of the total pediatric population pediatric population. This comprehensive review examines recent studies in CMA, especially regarding mammalian milk allergies such as goat's, sheep's, buffalo's, camel's, mare's and donkey's milk allergies in order to increase awareness of these selective allergies and to reduce allergy risks for those who have them. The consumption of other mammalian milk types is not recommended because of the significant homology between milk proteins from cow, sheep, goat and buffalo resulting in clinical cross-reactivity. However, camel's, mare's or donkey's milk may be tolerated by some allergic patients. Selective mammalian milk allergies are unusual and rare disorders characterized by severe symptoms including angio-oedema, urticaria, respiratory manifestations and anaphylaxis. Based on the reported allergic cases, cheese products including Ricotta, Romano, Pecorino and Mozzarella, are considered as the most common source of allergens especially in goat's, sheep's and buffalo's milk allergies, while the major allergens in donkey's and mare's milk seems to be whey proteins including lysozyme, α-lactalbumin and β-lactogloblin due to the low casein/whey proteins ratio in equine's milk.

Keywords: Allergenicity; Cross-reactivity; Mammalian milk proteins; Management; Nutritional composition.