The Curious Clinicians [Archive] Of Ticks, Alpha-gal, and Red Meat Allergies
Dec 20, 2023
Exploring the unexpected connection between tick bites and red meat allergies, discussing the role of the alpha-gal sugar molecule, evolution, and xenotransplantation. Discovering the link dating back to 1991, prevalence in the southeastern US, and how lone star ticks transfer alpha-gal to humans. Touching on allergic reactions to red meat, cetuximab, and challenges of xenotransplantation. Discussing the creation of alpha-gal knockout animals for organ transplantation, successful pig heart xenotransplantation, and availability of meat from genetically modified pigs for those allergic to alpha-gal.
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Early Observation of Meat Allergy
- In 1991, a small medical conference in Georgia reported 10 cases of hives or anaphylaxis after red meat ingestion.
- This followed tick bites weeks to months prior, hinting at a surprising association.
Reappearance of Tick-Bite Meat Allergy
- A 2009 Australian case series reignited the link between tick bites and meat allergies, observing 25 patients with reactions after tick bites.
- Red meat like beef, pork, lamb, and even game meat like venison, rabbit, and kangaroo triggered allergies.
Alpha-gal and Tick Bites
- Tick bites can introduce alpha-gal, a sugar molecule, into the human body.
- Humans, unlike non-primate mammals, cannot produce alpha-gal, making it a foreign substance.