Alpha-gal Syndrome: Lone Star Tick Linked to Unusual Allergic Reactions to Meat, Dairy

Quincy Jon, Tech Times 07 August 2023, 03:08 pm

Have you recently had any odd allergic reactions to foods like milk or red meat? If so, you may be battling brand-new allergies connected to a particular sugar molecule, and a strange suspect by the name of the lone star tick may be the culprit for these puzzling sensitivity symptoms known as Alpha-gal syndrome.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claim that approximately 110,000 probable cases of alpha-gal syndrome, often known as the "meat allergy illness" or tick bite meat allergy, were reported between 2010 and 2022, according to the Telegraph Herald.

Experts contend that this figure may really be substantially higher because of underdiagnosis and a lack of education among healthcare professionals. The sugar molecule alpha-gal, primarily present in nonprimate animal meats, including beef, hog, lamb, and deer, causes the potentially fatal allergic response.

What Are The Symptoms of Alpha-gal?

Alpha-gal is acquired through tick bites, especially those from the lone star tick, according to Dr. Bobbi Pritt, head of the Mayo Clinic's Clinical Parasitology Laboratory. This particular type of tick, which may be identified by a white-yellow dot on the female's back, is principally in charge of spreading alpha-gal and inducing an allergic reaction, the Boston Herald reported.

According to the CDC, alpha-gal syndrome may cause severe symptoms, including hives, rash, gastrointestinal discomfort, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and swelling of different body areas. Thus, it is crucial to identify and diagnose it.

Alpha-gal syndrome symptoms might show up hours after eating meat or animal products containing alpha-gal sugars. The need for early diagnosis is stressed by Dr. Cosby Stone Jr., associate professor of allergy and immunology at Vanderbilt University. Allergic responses may vary from moderate to severe. To avoid coming into contact with these ticks, it is advised to exercise caution and use tick preventive measures.

Early Detection, Protective Measures Are The Keys

The American Gastroenterological Association warns physicians to be on the lookout for patients exhibiting unexplained stomach complaints, particularly those residing in regions where alpha-gal is common. Early discovery may result in accurate treatment and relieve symptoms in those with the condition.

Although alpha-gal syndrome is still difficult to cure, research is constantly being done to understand its processes better. Avoiding red meat and other mammalian products may provide comfort in certain circumstances, and people may gradually reintroduce these foods to their diet with the help of a doctor, per KTLA.

As long as measures are taken, such as using bug spray, donning protective clothes, and thoroughly checking for ticks after outdoor activities, the risk of exposure to tick-borne illnesses like alpha-gal syndrome may be considerably decreased.

While there is still a long way to go in the fight against alpha-gal syndrome, encouraging preventative strategies and increasing awareness are still essential first steps.