This summer has seen a lot of US news reports about the rise of alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a tick-induced allergy to red meat and other mammal-related products.
AGS is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to galactose-α-1,3-galactose, a carbohydrate found in mammalian meat, triggered by tick saliva. It is most commonly from the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), though blacklegged ticks have been implicated as well.
The Lyme Disease Biobank project collects blood samples from Lyme patients for use in research. They recently released this chart showing how many participants have reported alpha-gal syndrome over the years.
Click here to learn more about alpha-gal syndrome.
Click here to learn more about the Lyme Disease Biobank.
Dorothy Leland
Dorothy Leland is a longtime advocate and researcher focused on Lyme disease education, policy awareness, and patient support. She has contributed to numerous publications and works closely with medical professionals and organizations to improve understanding and treatment of tick-borne diseases.
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