Researchers at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital are starting a “first-of-its-kind” study on alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne illness that makes people allergic to red meat and mammal products like cheese.
For over two years, the longitudinal study will follow 300 Martha’s Vineyard residents bit by lone star ticks to examine how alpha-gal develops and how the condition affects patients’ daily lives.
Massachusetts has seen a rise in reported tick-born diseases in the last three years, with alpha-gal syndrome numbers spiking this year on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard.
Study participants must be islanders age 15 and older, who live on the Vineyard for at least three months each year. Notably, pregnant people are eligible to take part in the study.
Participants will attend an initial visit with periodic follow-up appointments to review their medical histories and conduct blood tests and other assessments.
Jacob Lemieux, a Mass General Brigham infectious disease physician leading the study, said it may take “several years before we have the results.” Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is a community hospital and a member of the Mass. General Brigham system.
“Alpha-gal syndrome is an emerging health concern in our region, but there are still many unanswered questions about why some people develop the condition after a tick bite while others do not,” said Lemieux. “By following participants over time, we hope to better understand the biological and environmental factors that influence risk and generate information that can help guide future diagnosis, prevention and patient care.”
A total count of alpha-gal cases in the U.S. is unknown, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates as many as 450,000 people may be affected.
Lemieux said another study of ticks on the island is also underway. Researchers will test 1,500 blood samples from Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Boston to find out how many people have been exposed to alpha-gal. He expects the results of that study will be out by next year.
Symptoms of alpha-gal include hives, breathing difficulties and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Symptoms usually appear two to six hours after eating red meat or dairy products.
“One of the challenges of alpha-gal syndrome is that symptoms can be delayed and vary widely from person to person, making the condition difficult to recognize and diagnose,” said Ellen McMahon, chief of medicine and ambulatory medical director at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. “This study will help us better understand the patient experience, identify potential warning signs and improve our ability to support individuals and families.”
The best way to avoid the allergy is by preventing tick bites, according to the CDC. That means knowing where to expect ticks, like grassy or wooded areas, and using insect repellent.
This article was originally published on WBUR.org.
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