Scott Commins, MD, PhD, of the Thurston Arthritis Research Center, is a nationally known expert on the Alpha-Gal allergy, a red meat allergy caused by tick bites. Diagnoses of Alpha-Gal are on the rise, and Commins spoke with CBS News about the issue.
A little known, yet increasingly reported food allergy named “alpha-gal” (referring to a sugar in mammalian meat) is believed to result from tick bites. Physician-scientist Scott Commins, MD, PhD, is one of the leading experts in the U.S. regarding this often undiagnosed allergy, and through the UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Center, he is conducting research to help better understand alpha-gal. Dr. Commins was interviewed by CBS Morning News regarding the allergy, which for some patients can result in serious allergic reactions.
The news story can be found here.