A New Jersey man is the first person known to have died from an allergic reaction to red meat triggered by a bite from the Lone Star tick, according to a recently published case study. The man’s death, which occurred after consuming red meat, marks a meaningful and alarming progress in understanding alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a condition increasingly linked to tick bites.
Previously, fatalities linked to alpha-gal syndrome involved reactions to cetuximab, a chemotherapy drug. This new case confirms that AGS can be fatal even when triggered solely by mammalian meat - beef, pork, lamb, and venison – and highlights the growing public health concern surrounding tick-borne illnesses.the syndrome, which causes a delayed allergic reaction to red meat, is spreading as the range of the Lone Star tick expands.
Researchers began investigating the case after the man’s blood samples arrived in dr. Thomas Platts-Mills’ lab in April.Testing revealed the presence of immunoglobulin E antibodies to both alpha-gal sugars and red meat. Further analysis at the Mayo Clinic showed exceptionally high levels of tryptase - over 2,000 nanograms per milliliter – an enzyme released by immune cells during allergic reactions, among the highest values ever recorded in fatal anaphylaxis cases.
“We gave them closure,” Platts-mills said of the family in the case study. “People make a big fuss about closure, but you don’t get it until you see it.”
Alpha-gal syndrome develops when a bite from the Lone Star tick introduces alpha-gal sugars into a person’s system. As humans don’t naturally produce these sugars, the immune system can become sensitized, leading to an allergic reaction upon subsequent exposure – typically through consuming red meat. Symptoms can range from hives and itching to severe anaphylaxis.
The case study, and others documenting AGS, are available through the National Institutes of Health’s PubMed database (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31053502/). Health officials urge individuals in areas with Lone Star tick populations to take preventative measures against tick bites, including using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and performing thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors.
