A woman in Maine developed a severe meat allergy, alpha-gal syndrome, after being bitten by a black-legged tick. This case has prompted the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to rethink its understanding of which ticks can trigger the condition.
Alpha-gal syndrome is a rare allergic reaction that occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to a sugar found in mammalian meat products. In the past, it was mainly associated with bites from the lone star tick. However, a recent study suggests that black-legged tick bites may also be responsible for triggering the allergy.
The woman, who had no previous history of allergies or parasite exposure, developed symptoms after consuming roasted rabbit and later reported similar reactions to beef and other meats. Her healthcare provider tested her for alpha-gal syndrome and found high levels of an antibody associated with the condition.
Further investigation revealed that at least 23 Maine residents had developed alpha-gal syndrome from unknown or potentially non-lone star tick exposures. This finding has expanded the potential spatial distribution of the syndrome across the US, suggesting that black-legged tick bites may be more worrisome than previously thought.
In response to these findings, the CDC has increased surveillance and advised clinicians to screen tick bite patients for alpha-gal syndrome. The study highlights the need for enhanced medical attention to tick bites and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the potential for non-lone star ticks to trigger alpha-gal syndrome.
Source: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250323/CDC-confirms-black-legged-ticks-can-cause-red-meat-allergy-in-humans.aspx