Alpha-gal syndrome was believed to be relatively rare, until recently. The syndrome is an unusual allergic reaction to a molecule called alpha-gal, which is present in the muscle tissue of many mammals. The allergy develops after a bite from a Lone Star tick. If the tick has previously fed on an animal carrying alpha-gal in its system it picks up the molecule and carries it in its saliva. If the tick then bites us, it transfers alpha-gal into our bloodstream.
The next time you eat meat or meat products from mammals with hair, such as cows, pigs, sheep (but not poultry such as chicken or turkey), the body’s immune system can wrongly identify the alpha-gal in the meat as a threat. When this happens, the body releases chemicals called histamine in response to this threat. It is the release of histamine that causes allergy symptoms. The allergy can take from a few weeks to a few months to develop after the bite.
Although this allergy is not common in the UK it can sometimes cause a serious allergic response.
The symptoms of alpha-gal allergy are usually delayed (3-8 hours after eating) unlike most other food allergies where symptoms usually come on within minutes. Reactions include hives, mouth tingling, swelling of the lips, face or eyes, and stomach discomfort. In more severe cases symptoms can affect your airways (swelling, difficulty swallowing), breathing (wheezing), and circulation (dizziness, confusion, or fainting).
Alpha-Gal Allergy – A Recent Patient Experience
“John” was diagnosed with Alpha-Gal allergy after months of unexplained symptoms.
His journey began in summer of 2021 when he started noticing hives that couldn’t be explained. Over 8 months the episodes got progressively worse, often resulting in vomiting. Although he didn’t know it at the time, the frequency of these reactions was consistent with eating meat.
Following allergy testing with the new ALEX3 Allergy Xplorer test, “John” tested positive for an IgE mediated sensitivity to Alpha-Gal, and consequently a diagnosis of Alpha-Gal Syndrome was made. He had to make significant changes to his lifestyle, which he found difficult, but a huge relief to finally be symptom free.
Some patients can face a series of serious reactions after eating red meat but initially struggle to get answers from medical professionals. Even when symptoms are as severe as collapsing and experiencing life-threatening shortness of breath. Many patients later confirm alpha-gal allergy through private testing.
Anyone can be bitten by a tick and be unlucky enough to contract this allergy, it is important to raise awareness of the condition and the devastating impact it can have on people’s lives.
There are many resources available on Alpha-Gal Allergy and with the advent of new tests like the ALEX3 Allergy Xplorer test from MacroArray Diagnostics, it is possible to get a definitive answer to something which can have a huge impact on an individual’s quality of life. It is rare, but perhaps not as rare as once thought, as only recently has the unusual become easier to diagnose. Learn more about our ALEX3 testing service and get answers quickly.
For more information on Alpha-Gal Allergy visit:
www.gov.uk/guidance/alpha-gal-syndrome
Alpha-gal syndrome in general practice:red meat food allergy caused by UK ticks
Learn more about non-invasive prenatal testing, the various options available, and how to select the best test for your needs as expectant parents. It is not “just another” blood test. The implications of the result are huge, and accuracy and reliability are paramount.
Suffering from psychological stress could further increase cancer risk if you already have a genetic predisposition to the disease, according to new research. The stress hormone cortisol increases the risk of breast and prostate cancer in people with BRCA mutations.
The Forensic Genomics Innovation Hub proudly attended the recent BSACI Annual Conference as leading provider of molecular allergology testing services to Healthcare specialists. Read more about the event.
Have you been prescribed Tamoxifen? Did you know that genetic testing can identify how your body processes the medication. Are you getting the full benefit from the Tamoxifen or is your DNA leaving you at a higher risk of your cancer recurring?