What Causes Anaphylactic Shock Episodes After Eating Beef?

Posted on Thu, 12 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 12 May 2016 Answered on

Wed, 22 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I saw a tv program ivolving tick bite causing extreme allergy to meat. Five times I the last six years my wife had anaplatic shock epsodes after eatinf beef for no apparent reason. What is the name of this condition
In Arkansas we have TICKS, This may be the cause of her problem

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
this is known as alpha-gal allergy

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

This alpha-gal molecule is not found in humans and when tick bite transfers this to human body, it causes an allergy to meat.

However, this allergy doesn't extend to poultry or fish.

Hope this helps.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (11 hours later)

What is the common treatment for this alpha-gal in humans ?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
avoid red meat

Detailed Answer:
There is no cure for this. It may subside over years but may not, as well. The only way to avoid such episodes is to avoid having red meat.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar