Tick-borne red meat allergy (α-gal syndrome).

Diagnosis of -gal syndrome has increased among patients previously thought to have idiopathic anaphylaxis.[5] Clinicians should consider -gal syndrome in the differential diagnosis of unusual food or dr... A new onset of reactions to red meat (an uncommon allergen) should alert clinicians to suspect -gal syndrome. The lone star tick ( I Amblyomma americanum i ) is commonly found in the southern United States, but its prevalence in Canada is increasing.[1] The tick's saliva contains a high level of -gal, a carbohydrate antigen also present in nonprimate mammalian cell membranes.[2] Skin and bloodstream exposure to this antigen through a tick bite leads to sensitization to the carbohydrate and, subsequently, to red meat allergy. Management is similar to that of other IgE-mediated allergies Patients with -gal syndrome should avoid all red meat and -gal-containing products, but can safely consume white meat and fish. [Extracted from the article]