Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Alpha-gal is a carbohydrate molecule found in most mammals. Alpha-gal syndrome is a delayed-type immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic reaction to red meat in which antibodies to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) are produced. Initially, this syndrome was associated with the "lone star" tick (Lone Star Tick), which is found mainly in the southeastern part of the United States of America. However, alpha-gal syndrome has now been reported on every continent except Antarctica, and at least eight tick species have been confirmed to cause the syndrome. In recent years, information about AGS is growing and interest in this topic is also growing, because it is manifested by a diverse symptom complex and is important for specialists in different fields in terms of differential diagnosis. In individuals with this syndrome, symptoms are usually delayed by 2 to 6 hours. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include an anaphylactic reaction. which is a life-threatening immediate allergic reaction involving multiple organ systems and requiring immediate medical attention. Importantly, people who are bitten periodically by ticks may develop more severe symptoms. There is no cure for alpha-gal syndrome. In terms of prevention, the most important thing is to avoid tick bites.
Institution: Georgian National University SEU
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology and Allergy
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4404964996