The Lone Star tick's saliva contains a sugar molecule called alpha-gal (galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose) that can induce antibodies causing allergic reactions to mammalian meats (for example, beef, pork, lamb, rabbit, venison) and mammalian-derived products (for example, milk, cheese, other dairy products, and gelatin).
high
biochemical
Mechanism by which tick exposure leads to food allergy