Hundreds of thousands of people may have an undiagnosed tick-borne disease that can cause allergic reactions to red meat.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have reported between 2010 and 2022, there were 110,000 suspected cases of alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) in the US, but the real figure could be as high as 450,000.
AGS is a potentially life-threatening allergic condition, and is also known as the red meat allergy or the tick bite meat allergy.
Symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome can range from mild to severe, and can occur within two to six hours after eating red meat.
Common symptoms include hives, itching, swelling, indigestion, diarrhoea, a cough and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, alpha-gal syndrome can also cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
AGS is caused by a bite from the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) which carries a sugar molecule called alpha-gal in its saliva. The same sugar molecule is found in red meat, and it can cause an allergic reaction in people who have been bitten by the tick.
The tick usually needs to be attached to the skin for at least 36 hours for the alpha-gal to be transferred into the person’s bloodstream.
However, because the diagnosis of alpha-gal syndrome requires a positive diagnostic test and a clinical exam, some individuals may not get tested.
In a recent study, almost half of medical workers asked about AGS had not heard of the disease, and around a third said they were ‘not too confident’ in their ability to diagnose the disease or treat AGS patients.
There is no cure for alpha-gal syndrome, but there are ways to manage the condition.
People with alpha-gal syndrome should avoid eating red meat and be aware of the potential for cross-contact with red meat products.
Cross-contact can occur when red meat comes into contact with other foods, such as processed meats, cheese, or even cosmetics.
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