Ticks are known for transmitting disease , but they ’ve also been known to make multitude deathly supersensitive to meat .
Discover Magazine is runninga really interesting poston little - cognize facts about allergy . The link between check mark , meat and violent allergic reactions immediately stick around out .
Since 2009 , immunologist Scott Commins has been studying this bizarre connection . His research reveals that tick bit can trigger the yield of antibodies that target alpha - gal , a saccharide found in kick , pork and lamb . The next time you eat meat , your consistence may use these antibodies to climb a violent , ego - destructive immune response more commonly know as anaphylaxis .

“ We ’ve had people near die , ” Commins say .
What ’s really chilling about all of this is there ’s a good chanceyou wo n’t have any theme you ’ve developed a nub allergy to begin with . After all , ticks are usually pretty benign parasites . They can carry and transmit diseases , but rarely do , so in most cause there ’s no cause for concern . But if your body does materialize to start get anti - alpha - gal antibodies , you wo n’t know it until the next prison term you eat meat , at which point they have the potential to facilitate anaphylaxis .
In any case , the next meter you ’re walk barefooted through a field only to find a check between your toe , think to be careful the next time you feed meat — your body may be on a ego - destruct mission to pour down all alpha - gal .

Check out more unearthly allergy factsover on Discover Magazine .
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