Alpha Gal--not a female version of an alpha male

I've written about ticks and the possible horrible consequences of their bites a couple times in the past (here and here). While that content is still all relevant, I want to add one more thing to the list of problems they can cause—something colloquially called a "meat allergy."

It seems like the ticks are getting worse every year, and the news has certainly made it seem that way.

And to add to all of that, the CDC (no comment on whether or not this is still a trustworthy source of information) recently reported that emergency department visits for tick bites are up this year as well. 

Suffice it to say, this is all suboptimal. But if that wasn't enough, Lone Star ticks are becoming more prominent in New England, and they're responsible for a condition called Alpha Gal Syndrome, also known as a meat allergy. 

Long story short, the Lone Star ticks can carry a molecule called galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, or "alpha-gal." This molecule is found in all non-primate mammalian tissues. When you consume mammalian meat, let's say a steak, that alpha-gal molecule enters the body attached to a lipoprotein and it's in an environment that doesn't normally invoke an allergic response. However, when that same molecule is introduced into the body through the skin, from tick saliva, you can become "sensitized." 

To be sensitized means that your body has produced IgE antibodies and when your body later encounters the alpha-gal protein from that pulled pork sandwich or double bacon burger, it sets off a widespread reaction--although the reaction can be delayed by several hours. Those IgE antibodies grasp on to the alpha-gal protein (the antigen) and causes a massive release of histamine, tryptase, prostaglandins, and other mediators of an allergic response.

The most common reaction is whole body hives and angioedema (swelling). Some people develop gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. But the worst case scenario is when people have full blown anaphylaxis--which can be life threatening. 

Interestingly, some factors can amplify your body's reaction including alcohol consumption, exercise, NSAID use (ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, naproxen, etc) and a high-fat meal.

Also interestingly, for people who do have Alpha-Gal Syndrome, not every exposure will cause a reaction, the severity of the reactions can increase over time with repeated tick bites, but alpha-gal IgE levels can apparently decrease over time with avoidance of mammalian meat products and avoidance of ticks. 

So, all in all, one more reason to hate ticks, and to triple double check yourself when you get back inside. 

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