# “See You Later, Alligator”: A Case of Anaphylaxis to Alligator Meat Consumption

## TL;DR

A man with a chicken allergy had an anaphylactic reaction to alligator meat due to cross-reactivity, highlighting a rare but important food allergy risk.

## Contribution

This case highlights previously under-recognized cross-reactivity between poultry and alligator meat allergies.

## Key findings

- A patient allergic to chicken experienced anaphylaxis after consuming alligator meat.
- The case suggests cross-reactivity between poultry and reptile meat allergies.
- Alligator meat is increasingly accessible but poses allergy risks not widely recognized.

## Abstract

Alligator mississippiensis meat is an uncommon, exotic dish that has increasingly become easily accessible across the United States. This presents a unique issue for patients with food allergies, as the cross-reactivity of reptile meat with fish and poultry allergy is not well-recognized. While there has been an established connection between those with fish allergy also reacting to reptile meat, it is even less known that poultry allergy may also have cross-reactivity with reptile meat. We present a case of a 25-year-old male patient who is able to consume fish but is allergic to chicken and who consumed alligator meat twice. During the second exposure, the patient experienced an anaphylactic reaction, as he was unaware of the possible cross-reactivity with his poultry allergy.