Tick Bites and Red Meat Allergy: How are they related? Alpha-Gal Syndrome
Presentation
Overview
Overview
Description
Galactose-α-1,3-galactose (‘alpha-gal’) is an oligosaccharide found in most mammalian tissues, but not present in humans. Individuals in contact with certain species of ticks are at risk of becoming exposed and sensitized to the alpha-gal antigen, through a tick bite. Once exposed, individuals can develop a potentially life-threatening, long-standing Type 1 hypersensitivity, commonly referred to as Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS). Hypersensitivity reactions are then triggered by ingestion of mammalian ‘red’ meat (eg, beef, pork, lamb) and meat-containing products. Iatrogenic exposure can also occur through vaccines, surgical products or pharmaceuticals, created using mammalian tissues.
