After being bitten by certain types of ticks, a person can develop a dangerous allergy to meat, dairy and other animal products. This disease is called alpha-gal syndrome and has been recorded in an increasing number of countries around the world in recent years. This was reported by the publication Sciencealert.
Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic reaction that occurs when the body is exposed to the sugar molecule galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal). This substance is naturally found in the tissues of most mammals — such as cows, pigs, deer, and rabbits — but is absent in humans.
Infection most often occurs after a tick bite. During the bite, the tick injects saliva containing enzymes, anesthetics, and sometimes alpha-gal. The body perceives this molecule as dangerous, and subsequent consumption of foods containing it can cause a strong immune response.
Symptoms usually appear 2–6 hours after eating red meat or other animal products. They can include hives, itching, nausea, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock.
The syndrome was initially thought to be limited to the southeastern United States, where the solitary tick (Amblyomma americanum) lives. However, it is now known that it can be caused by other tick species, including the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), which also carries Lyme disease. These species have been recorded on six continents.
Due to climate change, increased deer populations, and the expansion of tick habitats, cases of alpha-gal syndrome have been reported in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Ticks can be found not only in forests, but also in urban parks, on summer cottages, or in tall grass. The reaction after a bite may not develop immediately, but even after several weeks or months.
