Tick that causes allergy against meat
The Lone star tick carries a bunch of diseases such as the Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. This tick can make people allergic to meat. It carries alpha-gal, which is a type of sugar found in non-primate mammals. In normal conditions the stomach digests alpha-gall without negative effects, but alpha-gall in the bloodstream is a different story. Antibodies against it are created by the immune system. The next time the body encounters alpha-gal it goes against the antibodies.This happens when it is in the bloodstream. Severe reaction against meat includes not being able to breathe and a feeling of being on fire.
This connection was first made when an infestation of a different species of tick produced similar symptoms in Australia seven years agos. This is common on Long Island and brings increasig numbers of people within the range of the ravenous bite. Allergist Dr Erin McGintee reports seeing 200 cases from the island in the last three years. Those with the allergy are still able to eat fish or chicken, but can have some problems with dairy products. Allergists don’t know if the allergy will wear off in time, but those affected have to carry epipens in case they digest meat.
