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In some parts of the US, up to 30 percent of people can carry anti-antibodies to red meat caused by tick bites, far exceeding the number of people with allergies. study published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
The findings suggest that more Americans than previously thought may be at risk for allergies, which could make having a hamburger for dinner a life-threatening decision. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has previously reported that only 0.14 percent of the US population (up to 450,000 people) has allergies. But the study also shows how little we understand about these unique diseases and how difficult it is to diagnose them accurately.
This study investigated the blood donation of anti-anti-antibody, which is in the group called IgE and mainly against the molecule of two sugars called galactose-α-1,3-galactose, also known as alpha-gal. These disaccharides are found in the cells of non-mammals, including cows and pigs, and are also secreted in the saliva of ticks, especially the one-star tick (Amblyoma americanum). People bitten by ticks can develop IgE antibodies against alpha-gal, which can kill sometimes causes intolerance to eating red meat and other meats, such as milk and gelatin.
