Diagnosing possible infantile cow's milk protein allergy in rural Africa, when history and physical examination are the only tools: a case report.

INTRODUCTION

Cow's milk protein allergy is common in infants from industrialised countries, but is rarely considered in developing countries due to its variable clinical presentation.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report on a Tanzanian male infant, who developed blood-stained stool when feeding fresh cow's milk at the age of three months. After an initial diagnosis of amoebiasis, possible cow's milk protein allergy was suspected. Further diagnostic work-up was not possible due to lack of resources. After elimination of cow's milk from the diet, the infant recovered soon.

CONCLUSION

Cow's milk protein allergy should be considered more frequently in infants from developing countries, especially when they belong to agropastoralist tribes and are fed cow's milk early.