Alpha-Gal Syndrome: A Tick-Borne Meat Allergy Affecting Millions

Up to 450,000 Americans may have been impacted by a potentially fatal red meat allergy induced by ticks, with many doctors unsure of what it is or how to treat it.

Highlights:

A recent study shows how tick bites can cause severe meat allergies in a considerably higher percentage of Americans than previously thought, possibly affecting half a million Americans
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), the tick-borne meat allergy, remains unfamiliar to many doctors, leading to challenges in diagnosis and treatment
AGS is triggered by alpha-gal, a sugar found in various meats and gelatin products, as well as cow's milk, milk products, and certain medications

Tick bites may cause debilitating diseases such as Lyme disease in people, but a new study reveals that they can also induce a severe meat allergy in much more Americans than previously thought.

The disease, known as alpha-gal syndrome, may impact hundreds of thousands of Americans, according to health experts in the United States, but many doctors are unfamiliar with it, as well as how to diagnose or treat it.

Red Meat Allergy from Tick Bites Could be Higher Than Previously Thought
Red meat allergy caused by tick bites could be higher than previously thought, reveals a new study.

‘An alarming study by the CDC warns that nearly half a million Americans might have alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne fatal meat allergy. #Alpha-GalSyndrome #Tick-Borne’

Nearly a Half-Million Americans Could Have Tick-Borne Meat Allergy Syndrome

According to one of two studies published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report by experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were more than 110,000 probable instances of alpha-gal syndrome identified between 2010 and 2022. However, because a diagnostic test and a clinical exam are required for diagnosis, many patients may not get examined. Based on this, the CDC researchers predicted that up to 450,000 Americans may be impacted ().

Researchers examined lab findings from 2017 to 2022 from a facility that was the sole commercial lab performing such testing in the United States until August 2021.

More than 300,000 samples were analyzed, and more than 30% of them tested positive for AGS.

Chigger Bites May Trigger Red Meat Allergy
Chigger bites may cause red meat allergy. Chiggers are tiny bugs whose bites cause really itchy rashes and may also produce a rare allergic reaction to red meat known as alpha-gal.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome: A Ticking Public Health Problem

"Alpha-gal syndrome is an important emerging public health problem, with potentially severe health impacts that can last a lifetime for some patients," CDC researcher Dr. Ann Carpenter said in an agency news release.

"It's critical for clinicians to be aware of AGS so they can properly evaluate, diagnose and manage their patients, and also educate them on tick bite prevention to protect patients from developing this allergic condition."

Unfortunately, a second study conducted by the same CDC researchers discovered that many health care practitioners are unfamiliar with the potentially fatal allergy illness, according to the agency.

According to a survey of 1,500 family doctors, internists, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, nearly half (42%) had never heard of AGS, one-third were "not too confident" in their ability to diagnose or manage patients with the syndrome, and only 5% were "very confident" ().

Cases of Anaphylaxis from Tick Bite Meat Allergy on the Rise
Allergy clinic finds large percentage of anaphylaxis cases from tick bite meat allergy, a recent research who finds that alpha-gal, a complex sugar found in red meat from beef, pork, venison, etc, may be the most common known cause.

What is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Alpha-gal is a sugar present in meats such as pig, cattle, rabbit, lamb, and venison, as well as gelatin products, cow's milk, milk products, and various medications. AGS is a severe allergic reaction that some people experience after consuming alpha-gal-containing foods or goods.

Evidence shows that AGS is caused by a lone star tick bite, but other forms of ticks have not been ruled out, according to the researchers.

According to the CDC, more persons have tested positive for AGS in the Southern, Midwestern, and Mid-Atlantic areas.

Allergic Reaction Linked to Tick Bites Often Misdiagnosed as Food Allergy
Those who react to the molecule in red meat, the alpha-gal also have a history of tick bites which might be the reason for anaphylaxis.

Why is Diagnosing Alpha-Gal Syndrome so Hard?

"The burden of alpha-gal syndrome in the United States could be substantial, given the large percentage of cases suspected to be going undiagnosed due to non-specific and inconsistent symptoms, challenges seeking health care, and lack of clinician awareness," said CDC researcher Dr. Johanna Salzer, the senior author on both studies.

"It's important that people who think they may suffer from AGS see their health care provider or an allergist, provide a detailed history of symptoms, get a physical examination, and a blood test that looks for specific antibodies [proteins made by your immune system] to alpha-gal," she said in the release.

What are the Symptoms of Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Here are the symptoms of AGS you need to look out for:

Hives or itchy rash
Nausea or vomiting
Heartburn or indigestion
Diarrhea
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Drop in blood pressure
Swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eyelids
Dizziness or faintness
Severe stomach pain

Symptoms usually start two to six hours after eating meat or other exposure to products containing alpha-gal.

References:

Health Care Provider Knowledge Regarding Alpha-gal Syndrome — United States, March–May 2022 - (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7230a1.htm)
Geographic Distribution of Suspected Alpha-gal Syndrome Cases — United States, January 2017–December 2022 - (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7230a2.htm)

Source-Medindia