If only people knew what a tick could do - the deadly meat allergy caused by tick bites
Mammalian meat allergy (MMA) is emerging as a significant health concern along Australia's eastern coastline, with health experts warning of a growing number of cases linked to tick bites. According to Professor Sheryl van Nunen, who first identified the connection between MMA and ticks nearly two decades ago, the allergy is triggered by a sugar molecule called alpha-gal found in tick saliva. After two bites from the eastern paralysis tick, approximately half of individuals develop antibodies to alpha-gal, and of those, 15-20% go on to develop a meat allergy.
Photo: Rudyard Kipling via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Mammalian meat allergy (MMA) is emerging as a significant health concern along Australia's eastern coastline, with health experts warning of a growing number of cases linked to tick bites. According to Professor Sheryl van Nunen, who first identified the connection between MMA and ticks nearly two decades ago, the allergy is triggered by a sugar molecule called alpha-gal found in tick saliva. After two bites from the eastern paralysis tick, approximately half of individuals develop antibodies to alpha-gal, and of those, 15-20% go on to develop a meat allergy.
The condition presents unique challenges due to its delayed onset. Symptoms often appear several hours after consuming mammalian meat, making it difficult for sufferers to connect their illness to dietary intake. As described by allergy specialist Dr. Alex Gofton, MMA can be triggered by a wide range of mammalian products, including dairy, gelatin-containing medications, and even airborne particles from barbecues or pet dander. This unpredictability has led some patients to describe it as "an anytime but not an every time allergy."
Increased awareness and diagnostic efforts have contributed to a reported 22% annual rise in MMA cases since 2020, with researchers estimating over 5,000 suspected cases in Australia. However, experts believe the actual number may be higher due to underdiagnosis. The allergy poses particular risks because individuals who test positive for alpha-gal antibodies but show no symptoms can still experience severe reactions to medical products containing animal derivatives, such as certain vaccines or blood transfusions. Tragic cases, including the death of a teenager identified only as Jeremy and an American airline pilot, underscore the potential severity of the condition, particularly when combined with underlying asthma.
