The Links between Deer, Ticks, and allergic reaction to mammalian meat products known as Alpha-gal allergy
Transmission
Northern Virginia has a significantly high percentage of Tick related illness, because of the high population of White tailed deer, the proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and farm land where deer are relatively uncontrolled. Other primary carriers of tick borne diseases are, mice and birds. Migratory patterns of birds are also showing a corresponding increase in tick borne illnesses in those areas visited during migration. Combine that with folks that do a lot outdoor activities and own animals, and you have a ripe environment for the transmission and infection of tick borne diseases. A similar environment for tick bone illness transmission exist in the Pacific Northwest.
The Peoples Pharmacy
In August of 2013 Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills, professor of Medicine and Microbiology was discussing a rather serendipitous discovery of a severe allergic reaction (Alpha-Gal allergy) to ingesting animal protein such as beef, lamb and pork. Doctors Thomas Platts-Mills and Scott Cummins were trying to understand why patients on the cancer drug Cetiuximab were reacting negatively to it. They had thought that it could be related to the presence of a fungal infection or a parasite. The break came when Dr. Platts-Mills was bitten by a tick and subsequently developed the allergy to “red” meat providing the connection that something was being transmitted via the tick bite that was causing an allergic reaction to the Glactose-alpha-1.3 galactose carbohydrate that is contained in mammalian meat. Cetiuximab also contains the Alpha-gal carbohydrate, thereby helping to confirm the relationship since theAlpha-Gal carbohydrate is not present naturally in Apes and human’s.
What is Alpha-Gal allergy?
Alpha-Gal allergy is a reaction to Galactose-alpha-1.3 (a carbohydrate) that when present in the body causes the body to produce an overload of immunoglobulin E antibodies when it comes in contact with Galactose-Alpha-1.3. The presence of the Alpha-Gal carbohydrate causes a histamine reaction in the body, causing the body’s allergic response.
Alpha-Gal reactions and symptoms can vary greatly and can be moderate to severe and life threatening. Typical reactions occur 4 to 8 hours after consuming beef, pork or lamb and include but are not limited to: Severe whole-body itching, hives, angioedema, gas bloating and IBS related symptoms, respiratory distress, and possible anaphylaxis. Recently, it has surfaced that some patients are experiencing reactions to dairy products (which of course are also mammalian derived).
Foods that may cause Alpha-Gal allergic reactions
The most frequently reported Alpha-Gal allergic reactions are coming from mammalian meats such as Beef, Lamb, and Pork. Some patients have been reporting issues and reactions such as itching and hives to dairy products, but this is more uncommon. Diary products containing higher fat contents (creams, rich cheeses, etc) are more typical of causing an Alpha-Gal reaction.
What to do if you suspect Alpha-Gal allergy
If you suspect that you may have Alpha-Gal allergies contact your primary care provider for evaluation and testing.
Summary
Alpha-Gal is a very new discovered allergy that can cause a host of allergic reactions and can for some individuals be life threatening. One of the common factors in reported cases is the history of a tick bite, followed by allergic reactions to “Red” meat based products and sometimes dairy products.
If you suspect a relatively new or even a long term difficulty with the consumption of mammalian meat and dairy products. please contact your primary physician for evaluation.