Transfusion of group B plasma and/or platelets to group O patients: to B or not to B?

Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is a tick associated illness where exposed individuals develop an allergy to red meat due to the development of IgE antibodies against the alpha-gal sugar molecule. 
Case reports of severe allergic reactions in group O patients receiving group B plasma transfusion suggest that patients with IgE alpha-gal antibodies are reacting to soluble group B antigen in transfused plasma.
Transfusion of plasma and/or platelets containing soluble group B antigen to group O patients may occur due to inventory constraints or in an effort to avoid waste. 
In this study we aim to collect transfuse practice data for representative hospitals in countries with AGS cases.


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Dunbar, Kaufman, Murphy