55KRC: Virginia sees more reports of meat allergies from tick bites
UC biologist explains how some people can develop a rare syndrome from tick bites
Morning radio host Brian Thomas at 55KRC turned to a University of Cincinnati biologist to explain a rare syndrome caused by the bites of some lone star ticks.
Virginia health officials say they are seeing more cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a meat allergy that some people can develop after getting bitten by lone star ticks.
Unlike Lyme disease transmitted in tick bites, alpha-gal syndrome is not a disease, UC Professor Joshua Benoit told 55KRC.
“It’s an allergy from the tick’s saliva,” Benoit said.
Benoit and his students study tick-borne illness in his lab. They have also conducted tick surveillance at UC's Center for Field Studies and public parks in southwest Ohio.
“Lone star ticks have sugars in their spit. What will happen is people get bitten by the tick and exposed to it and you become allergic to these sugar molecules,” he said.
“The body's immune response is to attack the tick saliva, but it can't tell the difference between the saliva and red meat?” Thomas asked.
"Yes, that's exactly what it is," Benoit said. “Once you get it, there’s really no way to turn it around.”
UC biology students work with ticks in Professor Joshua Benoit's lab. Photo/Jay Yocis/UC
Lone star ticks are found from Texas to Massachusetts, but Benoit said they’re not common in Greater Cincinnati compared to species such as Gulf Coast ticks, black-legged ticks and dog ticks. Few people who get bitten develop the syndrome, he said.
“You need the right genetics and be bitten by the tick. And they think some populations of the ticks are more likely to cause alpha-gal syndrome,” he said.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found 90,000 positive cases of alpha-gal syndrome nationwide between 2017 and 2022 in increasing numbers each year.
Featured image at top: UC Professor Joshua Benoit and his students study ticks in his biology lab. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II/UC
Biology students use cloth flags to collect ticks as part of a research program at UC's Center for Field Studies. Photo/Jay Yocis/UC
Related Stories
Senior peer career coaches graduate with resumes ready
April 17, 2021
Profiles three senior peer career coaches in the University of Cincinnati's Bearcat Promise Career Studio
UC students recognized for achievement in undergraduate research
April 12, 2021
Undergraduate student researchers in sciences and humanities recognized in 2021
2021 University Recognition Ceremony honors student achievements
April 13, 2021
The University of Cincinnati recognizes students each year who have made significant service, leadership, and academic contributions to the UC community. These students exemplify the spirit of what it means to be a Bearcat.
UC Day of Giving a success
April 28, 2021
University of Cincinnati Day of Giving’s 24-hour challenge was a tremendous success this year, raising $2,219,197 with 3,232 gifts. The fourth annual UC Day of Giving raised its most money to date with alumni, donors, students, faculty and staff joining together to support UC and UC Health.
'To make him proud was high on her list'
April 1, 2021
Alex Lewis lost her 82-year-old grandfather to Covid-19 just five weeks before her dream school showed up on the front steps of Roger Bacon High School to tell the senior that she has been admitted to the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing as part of a touching Decision Day surprise effort this year.
UC students recognized for achievement in undergraduate research
April 29, 2020
Each spring, the University of Cincinnati’s Division of Experience-Based Learning and Career Education (ELCE) honors students in experience-based learning programs.
President picks exceptional talent
April 28, 2021
The University of Cincinnati 2021 Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence Awards honor six undergraduate scholars for scholarship, leadership, character, service and the ideals of the university. Awardees are spotlighted for exceptional academics, creativity, community service and innovation.
Listen: Cincy Playhouse shares CCM audio plays
May 28, 2021
Each audio play is its own story, and you can listen to these pieces for free in any order you choose. They represent a year-long collaboration that reached into many corners of Cincinnati. Students from all over UC (CCM Acting, Sound Design, Stage Management, Commercial Music Production, Digital Media, and the College of Arts & Sciences’ Fiction PhD program) and local professional writers (YA author Liz Coley and musician, comedian and raconteur Paul Strickland) came together to make something truly special. Paul Strickland's play will be available soon. The Playhouse is assisting CCM by hosting and helping to promote these free audio plays.
UC staff have elected their 2021-23 Staff Senators
June 8, 2021
Join us in congratulating the 2021-23 new Staff Senate members! Elections were held in early May, and new senators will begin their two-year term in July 2021. All UC staff are encouraged to be part of the enthusiasm and excitement for our new senators by attending the Staff Senate online meeting via WebEx, June 30, 9-11 a.m.
UC LGBTQ Center founder takes on new diversity role
June 1, 2021
When Leisan Smith, ’99, ME ’03, began work this year as the inaugural chief equity officer at the prestigious Columbus School for Girls, the school’s staff and faculty were thrilled. The job description, they said, “was written for you.”