Alpha-gal syndrome: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Alpha-gal syndrome | |||
| image = [[File:Signs_and_symptoms_of_anaphylaxis.svg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis | |||
| field = [[Allergy and immunology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Urticaria]], [[angioedema]], [[anaphylaxis]], [[gastrointestinal symptoms]] | |||
| onset = 3-6 hours after consumption of [[red meat]] or exposure to [[alpha-gal]] | |||
| duration = Varies, can be chronic | |||
| causes = [[IgE]] antibody response to [[galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose]] | |||
| risks = [[Tick]] bites, particularly from the [[Lone Star tick]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Blood test]] for specific [[IgE]] antibodies | |||
| differential = [[Food allergy]], [[mast cell activation syndrome]], [[idiopathic anaphylaxis]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of [[red meat]] and products containing [[alpha-gal]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antihistamines]], [[epinephrine]] for severe reactions | |||
| frequency = Increasing, particularly in the [[United States]] | |||
}} | |||
== Alpha-gal_syndrome == | == Alpha-gal_syndrome == | ||
[[File:Amblyomma_americanum_tick.jpg|Amblyomma americanum tick|thumb|left]] | |||
[[File:Bush_Ticks_found_on_a_Spotted-tailed_quoll_(3).jpg|Alpha-gal syndrome|thumb|left]] | |||
File:Amblyomma_americanum_tick.jpg|Amblyomma americanum tick | |||
File:Bush_Ticks_found_on_a_Spotted-tailed_quoll_(3).jpg|Alpha-gal syndrome | |||
== Alpha-gal Syndrome == | == Alpha-gal Syndrome == | ||
'''Alpha-gal syndrome''' is a type of [[allergy]] to red meat and other products made from mammals. It is caused by a reaction to a carbohydrate called galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), which is found in most mammals but not in humans, apes, or [[Old World monkeys]]. | '''Alpha-gal syndrome''' is a type of [[allergy]] to red meat and other products made from mammals. It is caused by a reaction to a carbohydrate called galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), which is found in most mammals but not in humans, apes, or [[Old World monkeys]]. | ||
=== Causes === | === Causes === | ||
Alpha-gal syndrome is primarily triggered by the bite of the [[Lone Star tick]] (''Amblyomma americanum''). The tick introduces alpha-gal into the body, which can lead to the development of an immune response. This immune response can cause allergic reactions when the affected individual consumes red meat or other products containing alpha-gal. | Alpha-gal syndrome is primarily triggered by the bite of the [[Lone Star tick]] (''Amblyomma americanum''). The tick introduces alpha-gal into the body, which can lead to the development of an immune response. This immune response can cause allergic reactions when the affected individual consumes red meat or other products containing alpha-gal. | ||
=== Symptoms === | === Symptoms === | ||
Symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome can vary but often include: | Symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome can vary but often include: | ||
| Line 18: | Line 29: | ||
* [[Gastrointestinal]] distress, such as diarrhea or abdominal pain | * [[Gastrointestinal]] distress, such as diarrhea or abdominal pain | ||
* [[Anaphylaxis]], a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction | * [[Anaphylaxis]], a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction | ||
Symptoms typically occur 3-6 hours after consuming red meat, which is longer than the immediate reaction seen in most food allergies. | Symptoms typically occur 3-6 hours after consuming red meat, which is longer than the immediate reaction seen in most food allergies. | ||
=== Diagnosis === | === Diagnosis === | ||
Diagnosis of alpha-gal syndrome involves a combination of clinical history, symptom assessment, and specific [[IgE]] blood tests that detect antibodies to alpha-gal. A positive test, along with a history of delayed allergic reactions to red meat, supports the diagnosis. | Diagnosis of alpha-gal syndrome involves a combination of clinical history, symptom assessment, and specific [[IgE]] blood tests that detect antibodies to alpha-gal. A positive test, along with a history of delayed allergic reactions to red meat, supports the diagnosis. | ||
=== Management === | === Management === | ||
Management of alpha-gal syndrome primarily involves avoiding red meat and other products that contain alpha-gal. This includes beef, pork, lamb, and venison. Patients are also advised to avoid gelatin and dairy products, which may contain alpha-gal. | Management of alpha-gal syndrome primarily involves avoiding red meat and other products that contain alpha-gal. This includes beef, pork, lamb, and venison. Patients are also advised to avoid gelatin and dairy products, which may contain alpha-gal. | ||
In cases of accidental exposure, treatment may involve the use of [[antihistamines]] or [[epinephrine]] for severe reactions. Patients are often advised to carry an [[epinephrine autoinjector]] in case of anaphylaxis. | In cases of accidental exposure, treatment may involve the use of [[antihistamines]] or [[epinephrine]] for severe reactions. Patients are often advised to carry an [[epinephrine autoinjector]] in case of anaphylaxis. | ||
=== Prevention === | === Prevention === | ||
Preventing tick bites is crucial in reducing the risk of developing alpha-gal syndrome. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and performing thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors. | Preventing tick bites is crucial in reducing the risk of developing alpha-gal syndrome. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and performing thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors. | ||
== See Also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Allergy]] | * [[Allergy]] | ||
* [[Anaphylaxis]] | * [[Anaphylaxis]] | ||
* [[Tick]] | * [[Tick]] | ||
* [[Lone Star tick]] | * [[Lone Star tick]] | ||
{{Allergy}} | {{Allergy}} | ||
{{Immunology}} | {{Immunology}} | ||
[[Category:Allergies]] | [[Category:Allergies]] | ||
[[Category:Immunology]] | [[Category:Immunology]] | ||
[[Category:Ticks]] | [[Category:Ticks]] | ||
Latest revision as of 21:58, 5 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Alpha-gal syndrome | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis, gastrointestinal symptoms |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | 3-6 hours after consumption of red meat or exposure to alpha-gal |
| Duration | Varies, can be chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | IgE antibody response to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose |
| Risks | Tick bites, particularly from the Lone Star tick |
| Diagnosis | Blood test for specific IgE antibodies |
| Differential diagnosis | Food allergy, mast cell activation syndrome, idiopathic anaphylaxis |
| Prevention | Avoidance of red meat and products containing alpha-gal |
| Treatment | Antihistamines, epinephrine for severe reactions |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Increasing, particularly in the United States |
| Deaths | N/A |
Alpha-gal_syndrome[edit]
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Alpha-gal Syndrome[edit]
Alpha-gal syndrome is a type of allergy to red meat and other products made from mammals. It is caused by a reaction to a carbohydrate called galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), which is found in most mammals but not in humans, apes, or Old World monkeys.
Causes[edit]
Alpha-gal syndrome is primarily triggered by the bite of the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum). The tick introduces alpha-gal into the body, which can lead to the development of an immune response. This immune response can cause allergic reactions when the affected individual consumes red meat or other products containing alpha-gal.
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome can vary but often include:
- Urticaria (hives)
- Angioedema (swelling)
- Gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea or abdominal pain
- Anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction
Symptoms typically occur 3-6 hours after consuming red meat, which is longer than the immediate reaction seen in most food allergies.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of alpha-gal syndrome involves a combination of clinical history, symptom assessment, and specific IgE blood tests that detect antibodies to alpha-gal. A positive test, along with a history of delayed allergic reactions to red meat, supports the diagnosis.
Management[edit]
Management of alpha-gal syndrome primarily involves avoiding red meat and other products that contain alpha-gal. This includes beef, pork, lamb, and venison. Patients are also advised to avoid gelatin and dairy products, which may contain alpha-gal. In cases of accidental exposure, treatment may involve the use of antihistamines or epinephrine for severe reactions. Patients are often advised to carry an epinephrine autoinjector in case of anaphylaxis.
Prevention[edit]
Preventing tick bites is crucial in reducing the risk of developing alpha-gal syndrome. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and performing thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors.
See Also[edit]
| Allergies | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
This allergy-related article is a stub.
|
| Immunology | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
This immunology-related article is a stub.
|
