Allergies to red meat caused by tick bites are on the rise

Experts say this year's tick season is becoming the worst of the last few years. Beyond Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, a new threat emerges from ticks whose bites can cause an allergy to red meat.

Can a tick bite make you allergic to red meat?

Tick ​​bites can cause a long list of problems, and now there is evidence that a tick bite could be the trigger for an allergy to red meat, according to Dr. Scott Commins, associate professor of medicine at the Department of Allergy and Immunology, University of North Carolina.

A woman from Maryland had a horrible reaction when eating an Italian pork sausage last year, and her symptoms were all related to a tick bite that she had three weeks earlier. , while walking his dog.

What is the association between ticks and red meat?

In sensitive individuals, several tick bites appear to cause sensitization to alpha-gal, a substance found in red meat, which then causes an allergic reaction, according to Dr. Commins.

"More than 90% of patients who develop an allergy to red meat due to alpha-gal report tick bites," he told ABC News. "Many recall a specific bite that has had a" bad reaction "or" itch "weeks."

Dr. Commins and his team have recently published some cases of increased IgE (antibody levels in blood produced by the immune system) as a result of tick bites. They also have preliminary evidence that by injecting salivary gland extracts into mice they can mimic this allergy to red meat.

What are the symptoms?

In adults, the most common symptoms of this allergy to red meat include itching, hives and gastrointestinal symptoms, according to Commins.

An unusual feature: symptoms can be relatively delayed early, starting as quickly as several minutes, or as late as 3-6 hours after eating red meat, Commins said. Symptoms can occur in the middle of the night, for example, after eating meat for dinner.

Which ticks cause an allergy to red meat?

Many ticks are the cause, but one of the most commonly identified in the United States is the Lone Star tick Amblyomma americanum. It's most commonly found in the southeastern part of the United States, but the tick's range is expanding in other parts of the United States.

How common is allergy to tick-induced red meat?

The allergy to tick-induced red meat, although not common, is widespread. It is more likely to be in the eastern and southern parts of the United States.

"We know more than 5,000 cases in the United States," Dr. Commins told ABC News.

There are also reported cases in Europe, Australia, Sweden and South Africa, he said.

The Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) warns that tick-borne diseases are on the rise and that prevention should be in the minds of everyone, especially in the spring, summer and early years. of autumn.

How is allergy diagnosed / treated?

The diagnosis of allergy to meat is difficult, but experts generally diagnose this disease by combining the patient's medical history, blood or skin allergic test and, possibly, a "food challenge" – where the meat is administered to the patient. patient, then they are observed for a reaction.

There is no established treatment, but people who are afraid to be sensitive can avoid red meat and learn to use an EpiPen if needed for accidental exposures, Commins comments. This allergy can become less severe over time.

Which food products should be avoided?

"The beef, the pork, the lamb, the goat, the rabbit, the buffalo, the horse, etc." Commins says, "The particularly fat cuts are the worst for causing more serious reactions. This also includes the meat of the organs. "

"Sometimes dairy products can be a problem, but most patients are in agreement with dairy products," Commins said. "And that should disappear over two to three years as long as [there are] no extra tick bites … so take the tick precautions required. "

How are tick-borne diseases avoided?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and closed shoes when you're on the outside helping. Some people pull their socks on the hems of their pants to make sure that ticks can not enter. The CDC also suggests wearing an insect repellent containing DEET, and if you walk or rub against vegetation, perform daily self-exams for the ticks and remove them.

Dr. Karine Tawagi is an internal medicine intern in Ann Arbor, Michigan, working in the ABC News Medical Unit.