PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Naseem, Zehra
AU  - Muhammad, Aun
AU  - Chatterjee, Arjun
AU  - Rubio-Tapia, Alberto
TI  - Alpha-gal syndrome: Recognizing and managing a tick-bite–related meat allergy
AID  - 10.3949/ccjm.92a.24072
DP  - 2025 May 01
TA  - Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
PG  - 311--319
VI  - 92
IP  - 5
4099  - http://www.ccjm.org/content/92/5/311.short
4100  - http://www.ccjm.org/content/92/5/311.full
SO  - Cleve Clin J Med2025 May 01; 92
AB  - Alpha-gal syndrome is an emerging condition characterized by an immunoglobulin (Ig) E–mediated reaction to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) after consumption of mammalian-derived food products. Identified in the early 2000s, the syndrome is linked to sensitization through tick bites; in the United States, the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is the main vector. Symptoms range from pruritus and hives to severe systemic reactions like anaphylaxis, and typically occur 3 to 8 hours after eating meat. Diagnosis involves a history of consistent symptoms, positive alpha-gal IgE serology, and dietary exclusion trials. Management focuses on avoiding foods and products that contain alpha-gal and preventing tick bites.