Episode 15 - How Tick Bites Can Trigger a Life-Threatening Meat Allergy

<p>Can a tick bite make you allergic to steak?</p><p>In this episode of <b>From Bench to Bedside</b>, Dr. Zachary Rubin and Dr. Melanie Matheu explain <b>Alpha-Gal Syndrome</b>, a rapidly emerging food allergy caused by tick bites that can trigger delayed allergic reactions—even life-threatening anaphylaxis—hours after eating red meat.</p><p>They discuss:<br />• The immunology behind alpha-gal syndrome<br />• Why symptoms are delayed<br />• How the condition was first discovered<br />• Current diagnostic strategies<br />• Tick prevention<br />• Emerging treatments under investigation<br />• Common myths and misinformation surrounding alpha-gal</p><p>As the geographic range of lone star ticks continues to expand, awareness of alpha-gal syndrome has never been more important.</p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast and share it with someone who spends time outdoors—or anyone interested in the science behind food allergies.</p>