![]() “We think that they have an enzyme in their saliva that can produce alpha-gal,” said Dr. ![]() Lone star ticks, and perhaps other kinds of parasites, transmit a sugar known to scientists by its unwieldy formal name: galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, or alpha-gal. Scientists have only recently begun to understand alpha-gal syndrome. It may now be the 10th most common food allergy in the United States, affecting up to 450,000 people, according to estimates published Thursday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is also one of the least recognized. “I flatlined and died on the table,” McCullick said, adding that it took seven minutes to get his heart started again.Īlpha-gal syndrome is a reaction to a sugar found in red meat and dairy products, and it’s caused by the bite of a lone star tick. Heparin is made from pig intestines and contains a sugar called alpha-gal that McCullick is deathly allergic to, although neither he nor his doctors knew it at the time. The 66-year-old musician from Brooksville, Florida, said his heart stopped after he got the blood thinner heparin in the hospital. “I’m grateful for that,” McCullick said, his voice choked with emotion at the memory. There are ‘more ticks in more places’ - here’s how to avoid these bloodsuckers Adult tick (Ixodes scapularis) on grass DieterMeyrl/iStockphoto/Getty Images
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