Buzz
We often think that every creature has a purpose in the world, but ticks are challenging that belief. Beyond the threat of Lyme disease, researchers have discovered that certain ticks carry a pathogen that can cause a sudden and severe allergy to meat. Yes, meat.
The Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) resembles a typical tick with its small head and large body, but the adult female is distinguished by a Texas-shaped mark on its back, which gives it its name.
Unlike other ticks in America, the Lone Star tick targets humans at every stage of its life. Even its larvae crave human blood. While it doesn’t transmit Lyme disease, it can cause something even more puzzling: an allergy that makes eating a bacon cheeseburger unsafe.
"The strange aspect of this reaction is that it can happen three to 12 hours after exposure, leaving patients clueless about what triggered their allergic response," explained allergist Ronald Saff from the Florida State University College of Medicine in an interview with Business Insider.
The culprit behind these reactions is STARI, or southern tick-associated rash illness. Those affected by STARI might notice a circular rash similar to Lyme disease, along with symptoms like body aches, fatigue, and fever. Their next meal could potentially lead to severe illness.
Saff reports seeing at least one patient weekly with STARI and an allergy to galactose-alpha-1, 3-galactose, also known as alpha-gal. This sugar molecule, found in meats like pork, beef, and lamb, triggers an immune overreaction hours after consumption, causing symptoms from rashes to throat swelling.
The risk increases with each tick bite, making the development of this severe allergy more likely over time.
Currently, the Lone Star tick is found in the southern, eastern, and south-central U.S., but its range is expanding. "With rising temperatures, we anticipate the tick will move northward and westward, exacerbating existing issues," Saff noted. This trend mirrors the spread of deer ticks responsible for Lyme disease, and 2017 is expected to be particularly challenging.
The mystery surrounding alpha-gal sensitivity remains largely unsolved. Researchers are still unclear about its cause, potential treatments, or whether the condition is permanent. For now, the best advice is to stay cautious and adhere to standard tick prevention measures.
