Two new studies link black-legged ticks to red meat allergy. This condition is called alpha-gal syndrome, or AGS for short. People with AGS react after eating meat from mammals.
AGS was once only linked to bites from lone star ticks. As spring temperatures rise, insect activity increases across the country. Climate change is also pushing many bug species farther to the north.
What is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?
AGS symptoms occur when the body reacts to a sugar in meat. That sugar is galactose A1,3-galactose, also called alpha-gal. Alpha-gal is found in most mammals, except for primates. This includes animals like cows, pigs, lambs, and other livestock.
AGS can cause serious symptoms in people who develop it. These encompass stomach pain, diarrhea, hives, and even anaphylaxis. The CDC estimates up to 450,000 Americans may have AGS.
Alpha-gal can be present in the saliva of some ticks. When a tick bites, it injects saliva to help feed. This saliva may contain alpha-gal and enter the person’s body. In some people, this triggers a strong immune system response.
The body makes IgE antibodies that target the alpha-gal sugar. These antibodies can cause an allergic reaction to red meat. AGS symptoms usually appear 2 to 8 hours after eating. The delayed reaction makes the condition difficult to diagnose early.
AGS is rare but can lead to very serious symptoms. Some people may even experience life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Researchers still don’t know why certain people react but not others. Studies are ongoing to learn more about AGS and treatment.
Doctors are still investigating how to diagnose and manage AGS. The best protection remains avoiding tick bites altogether. Wear long sleeves, use bug spray, and check for ticks. As tick habitats grow, experts urge more awareness campaigns for AGS.
What New Tick Species are Now Linked to AGS?
Until now, AGS was linked only to the lone star tick. New research shows black-legged ticks may also cause the condition. Two different cases involving black-legged ticks are now under investigation.
The first case involved a 45-year-old woman from Maine. In May 2022, she removed a black-legged tick from herself. The tick was on her left arm after a walk. Three days later, the bite became red, swollen, and itchy.
Nine days later, she ate roasted rabbit and had alcohol. About two hours later, she had stomach cramps and felt sick. Symptoms lasted two weeks after eating red meat again.
Twenty days after the bite, she ate beef and vomited. She also had severe diarrhea after eating red meat again. Later, she reacted to bacon and steak, but slowly recovered. Ten months after symptoms began, she could eat red meat again.
The second case affected a 61-year-old woman in Washington. She was bitten by a Western black-legged tick before symptoms. Her first symptoms were hives and swelling of her lips. She took antihistamines to try to reduce the reaction.
One month later, she had a second, more serious reaction. She called 911 for help after symptoms quickly got worse. These symptoms included tongue swelling, itching, and trouble speaking clearly.
Paramedics gave her two epinephrine shots to stop the reaction. She also received steroids and drugs in the ambulance and hospital. The treatments improved her symptoms and helped stabilize her condition.
She remembered pulling a tick from her shoulder after hiking. Doctors removed tick remnants from her skin and gave antibiotics. She had no more severe reactions after switching to vegetarian meals.
Tests showed she had high levels of alpha-gal IgE antibodies. Her allergist confirmed a diagnosis of Alpha-Gal Syndrome, or AGS.
Both cases support a link between AGS and black-legged ticks. These ticks were not previously known to cause this syndrome. The studies also exemplify how AGS can manifest outside known risk zones. Black-legged ticks may be a new threat to watch closely.
How is Climate Change a Factor in the Spread of Insect-Borne Disease?
As spring temperatures rise, insect activity increases across the U.S. Climate change is pushing many bug species farther to the north. Rising temperatures are expected to boost tick and mosquito populations.
Because of climate change, southern bugs are moving into northern areas. Lone star ticks are among the insects expanding into new regions. Warmer winters help these bugs survive and spread into new zones.
Longer growing seasons also allow insects to move farther each year. As tick migration grows, bite prevention becomes even more important.
Conclusion
Black-legged ticks may now be linked to Alpha-Gal Syndrome cases. Climate change is helping ticks spread and raising health risks nationwide. Experts say tick bite prevention is key to avoiding serious illness.
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Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
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