A case of tick-bite-induced red meat allergy

Abstract

Delayed hypersensitivity disorders and food allergies are often challenging for the clinician and patient alike. A recent discovery of an IgE antibody specific to galactose-α-1,3-galactose, which is a carbohydrate abundantly expressed on cells and tissues of beef, pork, and lamb, adds one more tool to aid the clinician in making the appropriate diagnosis. A link has been discovered between the bite of the Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum) and the development of sensitivity to galactose-α-1,3-galactose. With a high prevalence of Lone Star Tick populations inhabiting major U.S. Army Installations, and the type of duty required by our Service members, it could potentially affect susceptible individuals. We describe a case of an active duty soldier who went 4 years searching for this elusive diagnosis and connection and discuss why it should remain in the differential diagnosis when treating military health care beneficiaries.