![]() ![]() ![]() This molecule differs from most food allergies because the allergen is a carbohydrate rather. There is emerging evidence that this allergic reaction to red meat subsides over one to five years in most affected individuals. Alpha-gal is short for galactose-1,3-galactose, a sugar molecule. Although the lone star tick has been primarily found in the south and central U.S., its geographic range has expanded to include the northeast as well thus, both patients and physicians should be informed of the risk of allergic reactions to red meat products after a lone star tick bite. While mammalian meat products do trigger this potentially dangerous delayed allergic response, it is important for the public to know that poultry and fish do not. This connection was established by a study by Commins and Platts-Mills where anaphylaxis occurred more often among those reporting a tick bite in the prior four weeks (2013). Alpha-gal syndrome Though Cerrone didn’t know it at the time, the allergic reaction she experienced is called alpha-gal syndrome, or alpha-gal allergy (AGS). Unlike their adult counterparts, who frequently present with anaphylaxis, the majority of children with this syndrome present with urticaria. It is not found in catarrhines, 1 including humans, who have lost the GGTA1 gene. Because red meat also carries the alpha-gal molecule, there is a risk of an allergic response when that individual is once again exposed to alpha gal when he/she eats meat. Although most sensitizations to alpha-gal occur later in life, children who develop IgE antibodies to alpha-gal may also experience anaphylaxis and urticaria 3 to 6 hours after eating mammalian meat. Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, commonly known as alpha gal and the Galili antigen, is a carbohydrate found in most mammalian cell membranes. ![]() They are very concerned about any medication or vaccine containing gelatin, but also having been made with beef products such as broths or mediums or milk protein which includes many medications and vaccines. There is significant evidence that the lone star tick can inject the alpha-gal carbohydrate molecule into the human upon tick bite, thereby leading to an excessive production of IgE antibodies. A few patients in my practice with alpha gal IgE, are very careful about avoiding all mammalian meat and also dairy and gelatin. As with other food allergies, the prominent symptoms can include severe itching and hives and in severe cases may lead to anaphylaxis (an extreme allergic reaction with symptoms such as tongue or throat swelling and vomiting) which can be fatal without proper medical attention. This reaction typically occurs about three to eight hours after eating red meat. Alpha-gal allergy is a syndrome that was first described in 2009 as a delayed anaphylaxis to red meat, specifically an excessive IgE antibody response to an oligosaccharide epitope, galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose. Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy to things like beef, pork, lamb, venison, rabbit, and other animal products that come from mammals. ![]()
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