Alpha-galactose allergy

Alpha-galactose allergy (also known as alpha-gal allergy, alpha-gal syndrome, or mammalian meat allergy (MMA)) is a reaction to the carbohydrate galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal). In alpha-galactose allergy, the body experiences a sharp increase in immunoglobulin E (IgE) upon contact with the meat-derived carbohydrate. |title= |title=The alpha-gal molecule is found in all mammals except apes, humans, and Old World monkeys. Since humans do not naturally produce this carbohydrate, humans do not have an pre-existing immune tolerance to the carbohydrate. The allergy most often begins when a Lone Star tick bite transmits alpha-gal into the body. In some people, an immune system reaction may later produce mild to severe allergic reactions when red meat is eaten. |title= |title=The cancer drug cetuximab (trade name Erbitux) contains the alpha-gal carbohydrate, since it is manufactured from mice. Cetuximab can cause a reaction in people who live in regions with a high population of Lone Star ticks, suggesting a link between Lone Star tick bites and an increased vulnerability to alpha-gal syndrome. |title= |title=== Treatment == |title=There is no treatment, other than not eating red meat. |title= |title=== Symptoms == |title=* Hives, itching, or itchy, scaly skin (eczema) |title=* Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other body parts |title=* Wheezing or shortness of breath |title=* A runny nose |title=* Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting |title=* Sneezing |title=* Headaches |title=* Anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially deadly allergic reaction that restricts breathing |title= |title=== See also == |title=* Chronic Lyme disease |title=* Food sensitivities |title=* Lyme disease |title= |title=== Learn more == |title=* Meat Allergy by ACAAI.org |title=*  Jan 18, 2019 Mammalian meat allergy: How tick bites can cause allergic reactions to meat, milk and gelatine ABC AU |title=* Feb 24, 2019 Likelihood of tick bite to cause red-meat allergy could be higher than previously thought Science Daily |title=* Dec 6, 2019 Lone star tick a growing threat to humans, pets as populations expand in CT WFSB News |title= |title=== References == |title= |title= |title= |title=