II. Mechanism
III. Findings
- New severe, sudden, Allergic Reaction (Urticaria, Anaphylaxis) to red meat (beef, lamb, pork, venison, rabbit)
IV. Associated Conditions: Other Lone Star Tick related illnesses
- Tularemia
- Ehrlichiosis
- Heartland Virus
- Bourbon Virus
- Southern Tick Associated Rash Illness (STARI)
V. Findings
- Allergic Reaction onset 2 to 6 hours after red meat (or derived product) ingestion
VI. Differential Diagnosis: Red Meat Allergy
- Alpha-Gal Syndrome (described on this page)
- Primary Beef Allergy
- Young children with Atopic Dermatitis (esp. with Cow's Milk Allergy)
- Pork-Cat Syndrome
- Patients with cat allergy develop pork allergy (and in some cases beef allergy)
- Primarily seen in teens and young adults
VII. Management
- See Allergic Reaction
- See Anaphylaxis
- Avoid all red meat products
- Avoid animal derived products (e.g. cow's milk, gelatin)
VIII. Prevention
IX. Resources: Patients
- Alpha-Gal (Mayo Clinic)
- Alpha-Gal (CDC)