Khaberni - Scientists in the United States have documented the first death believed to be caused by an allergy to meat known as "alpha-gal syndrome," which can be triggered by bites from a specific type of tick called Lone Star.
The case pertains to a 47-year-old man from New Jersey who died last year hours after eating red meat in the first incident suspected to have been directly caused by a meat allergy resulting from tick bites. This syndrome was first linked to Lone Star tick bites in 2011.
It is estimated that more than 100,000 people in the United States have developed an allergy to red meat since 2010, but researchers emphasize that severe cases may go unnoticed or be recorded under different causes.
Joshua Benoit, a tick biology expert from the University of Cincinnati, said that other deaths might have occurred but were not investigated with the same precision.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have not confirmed whether this is indeed the first death case, but they indicated recent efforts to raise awareness and improve diagnosis through new training programs.
Scott Commins, one of the leading researchers in alpha-gal syndrome, described the death as "an unjustifiable tragedy" and stated that increased awareness could have prevented it.
The study, published in the "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology," details that the victim, a pilot in good health, experienced a severe bout of symptoms after eating a steak during a camping trip in the summer of 2024, followed by a fatal second episode after consuming a hamburger at a barbecue two weeks later.
Laboratory tests revealed antibodies clearly indicating he was suffering from alpha-gal syndrome. Though there was no conclusive evidence that Lone Star tick bites were the cause, his wife noted he had been bitten about 12 to 13 times earlier in the summer, suggesting a connection with the ticks rather than mites as previously thought.
Cases of the syndrome are increasing with the spread of Lone Star ticks and growing medical awareness about it. Symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, breathing difficulties, and hives, can appear hours after consuming meat and often worsen over time.
The American Gastroenterological Association has urged testing for the syndrome in anyone with unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, especially in areas where this type of tick is prevalent.
Alpha-gal Syndrome
The syndrome occurs as a result of a tick bite carrying the sugar molecule "alpha-gal". After the bite, the immune system triggers an immune response that causes the body to develop an allergy to this molecule.
This syndrome is common in areas where Lone Star ticks are found, such as certain states in the United States.
Symptoms
Typically, symptoms appear between two to six hours after consuming a meal that includes red meats or other mammalian products. Symptoms include:
Rash and itching
Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Breathing difficulties, which may indicate a severe allergic reaction called "Anaphylaxis"
Diagnosis and Treatment
The syndrome can be diagnosed through blood testing to determine levels of antibodies specific to "alpha-gal".
The primary treatment is to avoid consuming red meat and other mammalian products.
In the event of a severe allergic reaction, immediate medical care should be sought, and epinephrine (adrenaline) may be used if prescribed by a doctor.
Antihistamines can also be prescribed by a doctor to alleviate symptoms.
