Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses; Food Intolerance
Article Date: 12 Nov 2012 - 1:00 PST
Current ratings for:
Lone Star Tick Causes Alpha-Gal Meat Sensitivity
| Patient / Public: |  | |
| Healthcare Prof: | |
Meat lovers living in the central and southern regions of the country might be opting for a vegetarian lifestyle if meat comes with an unwanted side of a life-threatening allergic reaction. According to a study presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), the lone star tick inhabiting these regions is the primary reason for what's known as a meat induced alpha-gal allergic reaction.
Alpha-gal is a sugar carbohydrate found in red meats such as beef, pork and lamb. According to the study, positive alpha-gal rates are 32 percent higher in lone star tick population areas as compared to other regions. The central and southern regions of the United States have the highest rates of alpha-gal sensitization due to the lone star tick.
"Blood levels of antibodies for alpha-gal in the human body can rise after a single bite from the lone-star tick," said allergist Stanley Fineman, M.D., ACAAI president. "This can result in allergic symptoms which are usually delayed after meat ingestion and may present as mild hives but may also be a severe, potentially deadly reaction known as anaphylaxis."
The study also found positive rates higher than expected in the north-central and west regions of the country, where the lone star tick is not found.
"These findings suggest that other species of ticks, or possibly human factors, may play a role in allergic reactions to alpha-gal," said Dr. Fineman. "Patients with delayed allergic reactions after eating meats should see an allergist to determine if it is an alpha-gal allergy. The best treatment is strict avoidance of meat. An allergist may also prescribe epinephrine in the event of a life threatening emergency."
Unlike other food allergies, alpha-gal meat allergy can be delayed as long as three to six hours after eating meat. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may include:
- Hives or skin rash
- Nausea, stomach cramps, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea
- Stuffy/runny nose
- Sneezing
- Headaches
- Asthma
- A severe allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis, which starts rapidly and may cause death
Visit our allergy section for the latest news on this subject.
Information about allergies and asthma can be found at www.AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. To see if lone star ticks populate your region, visit The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention distribution map at http://1.usa.gov/PEsBDM. More news and research from the annual meeting, being held Nov. 8-13, 2012 can be followed via Twitter at #ACAAI.
Information about allergies and asthma can be found at www.AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. To see if lone star ticks populate your region, visit The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention distribution map at http://1.usa.gov/PEsBDM.
MLA
n.p. "Lone Star Tick Causes Alpha-Gal Meat Sensitivity." Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 12 Nov. 2012. Web.
12 Nov. 2012. <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/252619.php>
APA
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/252619.php.
Please note: If no author information is provided, the source is cited instead.
'Lone Star Tick Causes Alpha-Gal Meat Sensitivity'
Please note that we publish your name, but we do not publish your email address. It is only used to let you know when your message is published. We do not use it for any other purpose. Please see our privacy policy for more information.
If you write about specific medications or operations, please do not name health care professionals by name.
All opinions are moderated before being included (to stop spam)
Contact Our News Editors
For any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form.
Please send any medical news or health news press releases to:
Note: Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. For more information, please read our terms and conditions.
Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/252619.php
Recommended Site chiropractor chiropractic back pain solution
No comments:
Post a Comment