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Alpha-galactose allergy
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'''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).<ref>{{Cite journal | last = Hilger | first = Christiane | last2 = Fischer | first2 = Jörg | last3 = Wölbing | first3 = Florian | last4 = Biedermann | first4 = Tilo | date = 2019 | title=Role and Mechanism of Galactose-Alpha-1,3-Galactose in the Elicitation of Delayed Anaphylactic Reactions to Red Meat | url = https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6344609/ | journal = Current Allergy and Asthma Reports | volume = 19 | issue = 1|doi=10.1007/s11882-019-0835-9|issn=1529-7322|pmc=6344609|pmid=30673913}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.emjreviews.com/allergy-immunology/article/the-oligosaccharide-galactose-%ce%b1-13-galactose-and-the-%ce%b1-gal-syndrome-insights-from-an-epitope-that-is-causal-in-immunoglobulin-e-mediated-immediate-and-delayed-anaphylaxis/ | title = The Oligosaccharide Galactose-α-1,3-Galactose and the α-Gal Syndrome: Insights from an Epitope that is Causal in Immunoglobulin E-Mediated Immediate and Delayed Anaphylaxis | date = 2018-07-17 | website = European Medical Journal|language=en-GB | access-date = 2019-12-09}}</ref> In alpha-galactose allergy, the body experiences a sharp increase in [[immunoglobulin E]] (IgE) upon contact with the meat-derived carbohydrate.<ref>{{Cite journal | last = Commins | first = Scott P. | last2 = Platts-Mills | first2 = Thomas A.E. | date = Feb 2013 | title = Delayed Anaphylaxis to Red Meat in Patients with IgE Specific for Galactose alpha-1,3-Galactose (alpha-gal) | url = https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3545071/ | journal = Current allergy and asthma reports | volume = 13 | issue = 1 | pages = 72–77|doi=10.1007/s11882-012-0315-y|issn=1529-7322|pmc=3545071|pmid=23054628}}</ref> The alpha-gal molecule is found in all mammals except apes, humans, and Old World monkeys.<ref>{{Cite journal | last = Galili | first = Uri | date = 1993-09-01 | title = Evolution and pathophysiology of the human natural anti-α-galactosyl IgG (anti-Gal) antibody | url = https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00201098 | journal = Springer Seminars in Immunopathology|language=en | volume = 15 | issue = 2 | pages = 155–171|doi=10.1007/BF00201098|issn=1432-2196}}</ref> 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 [[Allergy|allergic reactions]] when red meat is eaten.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web | url = https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alpha-gal-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20428608 | title = Alpha-gal syndrome - Symptoms and causes | website = Mayo Clinic|language=en | access-date = 2019-10-27}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":0" /> == Treatment == There is no treatment, other than not eating red meat.<ref name=":0" /> == Symptoms == * [[Urticaria|Hives]], itching, or itchy, scaly skin ([[eczema]]) * Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other body parts * Wheezing or [[Dyspnea|shortness of breath]] * A runny nose * [[Abdominal pain]], [[diarrhea]], [[nausea]] or [[vomiting]] * Sneezing * [[Headache|Headaches]] * [[Anaphylaxis]], a severe, potentially deadly allergic reaction that restricts breathing<ref>{{Cite journal | date = Feb 2019 | title = Omalizumab | url = http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40278-019-58147-3 | journal = Reactions Weekly | volume = 1740 | issue = 1 | pages = 254–254|doi=10.1007/s40278-019-58147-3|issn=0114-9954}}</ref> == See also == * [[Chronic Lyme disease]] * [[Food sensitivities]] * [[Lyme disease]] == Learn more == * [https://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/meat-allergy Meat Allergy] by ACAAI.org * Jan 18, 2019 [https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-18/how-ticks-can-cause-mammalian-meat-allergy/10719136 Mammalian meat allergy: How tick bites can cause allergic reactions to meat, milk and gelatine] ABC AU * Feb 24, 2019 [https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190224100433.htm Likelihood of tick bite to cause red-meat allergy could be higher than previously thought] Science Daily * Dec 6, 2019 [https://www.wfsb.com/news/lone-star-tick-a-growing-threat-to-humans-pets-as/article_1ed003de-1853-11ea-8d01-3be1d90cb66c.html Lone star tick a growing threat to humans, pets as populations expand in CT] WFSB News == References == {{Reflist}} [[Category:Diagnoses]] [[Category:Immunology]]
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