Lone star tick inhabiting central and southern U.S. is primary reason for meat induced alpha-gal allergic reaction, study finds

Alpha-gal is a sugar carbohydrate found in red meats such as beef, pork and lamb. According to the study, positive alpha-gal rates are 32 percent higher in lone star tick population areas as compared to other regions. The central and southern regions of the United States have the highest rates of alpha-gal sensitization due to the lone star tick.

"Blood levels of antibodies for alpha-gal in the human body can rise after a single bite from the lone-star tick," said allergist Stanley Fineman, M.D., ACAAI president. "This can result in allergic symptoms which are usually delayed after meat ingestion and may present as mild hives but may also be a severe, potentially deadly reaction known as anaphylaxis."

The study also found positive rates higher than expected in the north-central and west regions of the country, where the lone star tick is not found.

"These findings suggest that other species of ticks, or possibly human factors, may play a role in allergic reactions to alpha-gal," said Dr. Fineman. "Patients with delayed allergic reactions after eating meats should see an allergist to determine if it is an alpha-gal allergy. The best treatment is strict avoidance of meat. An allergist may also prescribe epinephrine in the event of a life threatening emergency."

Unlike other food allergies, alpha-gal meat allergy can be delayed as long as three to six hours after eating meat. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may include:

• Hives or skin rash
• Nausea, stomach cramps, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea
• Stuffy/runny nose
• Sneezing
• Headaches
• Asthma
• A severe allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis, which starts rapidly and may cause death

If you experience an allergic reaction after eating meat, seek emergency medical attention. Follow up with a board-certified allergist who can develop a treatment plan for you and prescribe life-saving epinephrine.

Information about allergies and asthma can be found at AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org. To see if lone star ticks populate your region, visit The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention distribution map at http://1.usa.gov/PEsBDM. More news and research from the annual meeting, being held Nov. 8-13, 2012 can be followed via Twitter at #ACAAI.