Red Meat Allergy Caused By Tick Bites On The Rise

Red meat is one of the staple food sources in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more Americans are getting allergic to red meat thanks to a particular species of tick bite. As many as 450,000 Americans could be affected by this syndrome. The lone star is a species of tick native to parts of the USA and Mexico. Being bitten by this tick may surprisingly make a person allergic to red and processed meat! Keep reading to learn more about this tick-induced red meat allergy and the possible treatments.

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Alpha-gal Syndrome Or Tick-induced Red Meat Allergy: An Overview

Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule present in most mammals.

It is found in red meat (beef, venison, pork, lamb) and animal products like dairy, gelatin, and food cooked in animal fat.

This sugar molecule isn’t found in poultry or seafood.

The alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a life-threatening allergic reaction to red meat or other food products containing the alpha-gal molecule.

The lone star is a species of tick found prominently in the Southeastern and Eastern United States and parts of Mexico.

This species is also called the Northeastern water tick or the turkey tick.

The tick is identified by the single star-shaped mark on its back.

Lone star tick bites may cause various conditions, including the following:

Ehrlichiosis
Heartland virus disease
Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI)
Bourbon virus disease
Tularemia

CDC confirms that the tick bite may also lead to AGS.

Symptoms Of Alpha-gal Syndrome

In people with AGS, the IgE antibodies get triggered by the red meat's alpha-gal molecules and start reacting.

The body experiences anaphylaxis-like allergy symptoms, which can become life-threatening unless treated quickly.

Unusual Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of AGS are:

Hives
Rashes
Angioedema (swelling of the deep layers of the skin)
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
Shortness of breath
Swelling of lips, tongue, and throat

How Can Tick Bites Cause Red Meat Allergy?

When ticks bite humans, alpha-gal molecules in their saliva get transferred to the bloodstream.

The body considers the alpha-gal molecules dangerous, and the immune system kicks into action.

The lymphocyte cells release anti-alpha-gal IgE cells in response.

Now, the person develops an antibody response to the alpha-gal molecules.

Red meat like beef, venison, lamb, and pork contains alpha-gal.

Some cuts of meat, especially the organs, contain very high levels of alpha-gal.

When a person whose body has alpha-gal antibodies consume red meat, there may be an allergic reaction triggered.

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Complications of Red Meat Allergy

One complication with red meat allergy is the low awareness about AGS in the United States.

CDC surveyed 1500 medical practitioners nationwide, and over 50% hadn’t heard of AGS.

Of those aware of the problem, one-third weren’t confident in treating patients.

Red meat allergy could become a public health problem, with lifetime effects in a few patients.

More than 90% of Americans consume meat.

The overall consumption of red and processed meat in the United States is about 73.6%.

Does Alpha-gal Allergy Go Away?

In some people, antibodies may reduce over time, and they can start including red meat like before.

In others, this could be a long-long condition, preventing them from consuming red meat.

Acquired vs. Inherited Red Meat Allergy

Acquired red meat allergy develops after a lone star tick bite.

It is scarce for someone to inherit red meat allergy. However, it isn’t entirely impossible.

According to studies, people with the B or AB blood type were five times less likely to develop AGS.

The alpha-gal molecules and the B antigen both have similar structures. As a result, the immune system may ignore the molecules and not trigger a reaction.

Diagnosis And Treatment Of Red Meat Allergy (Tick)

A simple blood work will help check the amount of alpha-gal antibodies in the body.

This is a clear indicator of red meat allergy.

In some cases, your doctor may request a skin test.

A small portion of the skin is pricked and exposed to substances extracted from red meat.

The lab technician then checks for allergic reactions.

In most cases, allergy medications are prescribed to handle rashes, hives, and swelling.

Doctors may offer a shot of epinephrine in more severe cases to handle the allergic breakouts.

If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, please visit your nearest Emergency Care immediately.

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Is Avoiding Red Meat The Only Way To Prevent Red Meat Allergy (Tick)?

For people who have recovered from red meat allergy, staying away from red and processed meat for a couple of years is essential.

It helps prevent future allergic triggers.

Other food products in the market may also contain traces of alpha-gal.

Please talk to your doctor and get a list of food sources to avoid.

These individuals can get their blood work done after 1-2 years to check the level of alpha-gal antibodies in the blood.

People who get a clear report may gradually start including smaller portions of red meat.

Summary

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a condition that triggers an allergic response in people after consuming red meat.
Alpha-gal is a molecule found in red meat and other animal products.
The lone star is a species of tick found in the Southeastern and Eastern United States. These ticks can bite human beings.
The tick's saliva contains the alpha-gal molecule and is transferred to humans when they get bitten.
As a result, the body produces alpha-gal antibodies to prevent the risk of infections. These antibodies remain in the body for a long time.
When these individuals eat red or processed meat, alpha-gal molecules from the meat enter the body. The body now has a more robust immune response towards it and hence triggers an allergic reaction.
AGS can cause shortness of breath, swollen lips and throat, nausea and vomiting, gastric problems, and diarrhea.
In some individuals, the number of antibodies reduces over time, and they can start consuming red and processed meat after a while. In others, this could be a lifetime problem, and they must avoid red meat.
Other food products like gelatin and dairy may also contain alpha-gal molecules. It is essential to identify these food sources and stay away from them too.