What Is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?
Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is an allergic condition triggered by a tick bite, primarily the Lone Star tick. The allergy is to red meat, including beef, pork, and lamb.The reaction will begin several hours after consuming red meat and sometimes even other mammal-derived products, such as dairy. The allergy can include:
- Hives or rash
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing
- A drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting
- Anaphylaxis (in severe cases)
The allergy develops because the tick introduces a sugar molecule called alpha-gal (galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose) into the body during a bite. This molecule sensitizes the immune system, causing some people to develop an allergy to red meat and sometimes other animal products, as well.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for alpha-gal syndrome, and sensitization can last for months or even years. Medical evaluation and testing is required to confirm the diagnosis. The main treatment method is simply to avoid the foods that trigger a reaction, meaning red meat and mammal products. To manage allergic reactions, a doctor will generally prescribe antihistamines and perhaps epinephrine, in more severe cases.
Other Diseases Transmitted by Lone Star Ticks
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