Alpha-Gal Allergy: a new threat to Appalachia

Alpha-gal allergy, or mammalian meat allergy, is described as the development of IgE antibodies to the oligosaccharide galactose-a-1,3-galactose following a bite from the tick species Amblyomma americanum (Lone Star tick) or Dermacentor variabilis (Wood tick). Dermatologic or gastrointestinal symptoms are usually delayed by four to six hours after exposure, making the diagnosis difficult. Due to the use of mammalian proteins in many common medications, surgical equipment, and prosthesis, unexpected reactions can occur. In the United States, this pathology is predominately seen in the southeast but has been associated with other tick species on every continent except Antarctica. As the habitat for Amblyomma and Dermacentor continues to move further north due to changing patterns in deer population and weather, the incidence of alpha-gal syndrome has increased in the states outside its normal southeastern locale, especially in people with occupations and hobbies that require time outdoors in wooded areas.