2023-08-02 20:44:45
The bite of the Amblyomma americanum tick causes an allergy to meat.
A growing number of US citizens are developing a rare allergy to red meat caused by tick biteswarned the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This rare condition, known as alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), has been identified as a life-threatening allergy related to the saliva of the lone star tick. In this article, we will explore in detail what AGS is, how it manifests and affects those affected, as well as the available prevention and treatment measures.
What is alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) and what type of meat allergy does it cause?
The alpha-gal syndrome is a rare but quite serious allergy that is related to the bite of the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). The lone star tick is characterized by a white spot on its back and is known to be “highly aggressive.”
When this tick bites a human, it can deliver a sugar molecule called alpha-gal into the bloodstream., which is not normally found in humans. This molecule triggers an allergic reaction when red meat, such as beef, pork, and lamb, is eaten, as well as certain other foods and medications.
Lone star ticks are most common in the southern and eastern parts of the United States, but global warming is altering their geographic distribution. An increase in the tick population has been observed in areas where previously they were not as prevalent. This means that more people are now exposed to tick bites and potentially develop AGS.
CDC epidemiologist Ann Carpenter has highlighted AGS as a major emerging public health problem, with potentially serious health impacts that can last a lifetime for some patients. Although the allergy is not usually life-threatening, it can cause severe and life-threatening symptoms in certain cases.
Common symptoms include hives, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. In more severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur, threatening the patient’s life. The lack of awareness of AGS among physicians and the general public makes diagnosis and treatment even more challenging.
“AGS reactions can be different from person to person,” the CDC writes in its website . “They can range from mild to severe or even life-threatening. Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction involving multiple organ systems) you may need urgent medical attention”.
Because meat is one of the slowest foods to digest, symptoms may not appear immediately, but may occur within two to six hours. after intake. Not everyone with AGS will have reactions to all foods that contain alpha-gal, but most health professionals advise patients to avoid meat from mammals if they are known to have the syndrome.
“It is important that people who think they may have AGS see their health care provider or an allergist, provide a detailed history of symptoms, have a physical exam, and a blood test that looks for specific antibodies (proteins made by your immune system) for alpha-gal,” said Johanna Salzer, one of the authors of the CDC report.
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