Alpha-Gal Syndrome

SAN DIEGO — An antibody discovery platform revealed more than 60 monoclonal antibodies specific to patients with alpha-gal syndrome, according to a poster presented here.

SAN DIEGO — Patients with alpha-gal syndrome need ingredient transparency to avoid animal-derived products in medications, according to a presentation here.

Alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to sugar in red meat and animal products, is on the rise in the United States, and the culprit is lone star ticks, an expert said.

Usually when people are allergic to something, the protein causes the allergy. Contrary to myth, sugars typically do not cause allergic reactions. Rather, they can contribute to different issues such as food intolerances and sensitivities.

Intrinsic factors such as blood type, medical history, allergies and family history contribute to the risk for developing alpha-gal syndrome, according to a study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Throughout 2023, gastroenterology societies made several significant clinical practice updates to guide diagnosis, management and treatment of various GI disorders such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and acute liver failure.

Food allergy remained a hot topic in 2023. Research focused on early introduction of allergens into infant diets as a prevention strategy, and immunotherapy continued to show success in desensitization.

A survey showed few health care providers are familiar with the potentially life-threatening allergic reaction known as alpha-gal syndrome, which evidence suggests may be primarily associated with the bite of a tick, according to the CDC.

Recent data show that alpha-gal in health products triggers anaphylactic reactions in about half of patients with alpha-gal syndrome, highlighting the potential life-threatening nature of the syndrome without transparent ingredient labeling.

Healio compiled the most-read news in allergy, asthma and immunology posted in June.