Alpha-gal

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), also known as alpha-gal allergy or mammalian meat allergy (MMA), is an acquired allergy to the epitope of the carbohydrate molecule galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose ("alpha-gal"). Reactions can be life-threatening, and typically either begin rapidly after exposure from intravenous therapy, or 2–8 hours after ingesting foods and medicines. Reactions can also occur from skin contact and environmental exposures. AGS results from tick bites, and possibly bites from other parasites.