Researchers find tick-borne alpha–gal meat allergy may not be a lifelong

On a table in a Missouri library lay brochures, plushies, paperbacks, and memorabilia all featuring the same antagonist: the lone star tick. The tick is a common carrier for alpha-gal, Rose LaForest reports for the Mississippi River Basin, a syndrome that causes allergic reactions to red meat, dairy and other mammal products in humans.

Alpha-gal is becoming more and more common, and is most widespread in Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and Missouri. That is why Mary Lynn Cady, who was diagnosed with alpha-gal in 2011, runs a support group at the Daniel Boone Branch of St. Louis County Library.

The diagnosis of alpha-gal can feel lonesome and is unique. Most are diagnosed as adults with no knowledge of EPI Pens or allergies, and they have to learn to adapt their diets quickly. The disease is caused by a sugar called galactose-α-1,3-galactose, which is present in other mammals like cattle, but not in humans. When a tick bites a human, it can transmit this sugar into a person’s bloodstream, causing allergic reactions to mammal products.

Dr. Maya Jerath and her colleague, Dr. Peggy Kendall, are looking for a more accurate way to diagnose and treat alpha-gal. Many patients see less sensitivity over time and can clear the allergy up. Jerath and Peggy "have some interventions that we would like to study to see if we could actually do something to patients that will make it go away," they told LaForest. Of the population in the most affected states, 24% have the antibody, but most don’t have the allergy.

Jerath and Peggy found that cells in symptomatic vs. asymptomatic blood may be the difference, and researchers are testing to see if this discovery could serve as a treatment for alpha-gal.