SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Tick Bite-Induced Red Meat Allergy: A Case Report

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Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), or mammalian meat allergy, is a potentially life-threatening IgE-mediated allergy triggered by tick bites, especially the Lone Star tick. The report describes a 50-year-old man with a history of NAFLD, peptic ulcer disease, and gout who presented with 5 days of worsening epigastric pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and chills after eating at a restaurant. His wife, who ate the same meal, had no symptoms.<br /><br />A key part of his history was a Lone Star tick bite during a hunting trip in Texas one year earlier. Since then, he had developed progressively worse reactions after eating red meat, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, fever, shortness of breath, and urticarial rash. Over time, even minor cross-contamination with red meat triggered symptoms. Initial tests, including CBC, CMP, lipase, CT abdomen/pelvis, and EGD, were normal. Later testing showed elevated IgE against galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, confirming AGS.<br /><br />The discussion explains that alpha-gal is a sugar introduced by tick saliva, which can sensitize the immune system and cause allergic reactions to mammalian meat such as beef, pork, lamb, venison, goat, and bison. AGS is an emerging condition, with reported diagnoses rising dramatically over time and now recognized as a major cause of adult-onset allergy and anaphylaxis in parts of the United States.<br /><br />Management is mainly supportive and focused on prevention: strict avoidance of mammalian meat products, patient education, and prescribing an epinephrine autoinjector for severe or progressive reactions. The case highlights the importance of provider awareness so AGS is recognized and treated promptly.

Asset Subtitle

Keir F. MacKay

Meta Tag

Author List Jered Schenk, Keir F. MacKay, Muhammad Ishaq, Neil Corbett

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Concept Mammalian Meat Allergy

Concept Tick Bite

Concept Lone Star Tick

Concept Alpha-gal Specific IgE

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Southwest Indiana Internal Medicine Residency (Indiana University)

Presenting Author Keir F. MacKay

Track Adult

Keywords

alpha-gal syndrome

mammalian meat allergy

Lone Star tick

tick bite

IgE-mediated allergy

red meat allergy

galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose

adult-onset allergy

anaphylaxis

epinephrine autoinjector

Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Mammalian Meat Allergy

Tick Bite

Lone Star Tick

Alpha-gal Specific IgE