Tick bites may cause long-term allergies to red meat and dairy

A tick bite can trigger the development of an allergy to red meat and dairy products. This happens because certain ticks carry a carbohydrate called alpha-gal; when it enters the human bloodstream, the immune system produces specific antibodies against it. Mechanism of Alpha-Gal Syndrome Once the body is sensitized to alpha-gal, the immune system begins to recognize this molecule—which is present in the tissues of most mammals—as a threat. Consequently, consuming beef, pork, or dairy can trigger an allergic reaction. "The immune system learns to attack a specific sugar structure rather than a protein," explains therapist Anna Kuznetsova. "This creates a long-term conflict that may escalate every time the allergen enters the gastrointestinal tract."