Publications & Presentations

As cases of Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) — a tick-induced, potentially life-threatening allergy to red meat — rise across the United States, robust testing is critical. According to the CDC, AGS develops when a tick bite sensitizes a person to galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-Gal.), a specific type of sugar molecule with a unique arrangement of galactose sugars found in some bacteria, protozoa, algaes, fungi, viruses and in most mammals but not in humans. Subsequent exposure to red meat or mammal-derived products can trigger serious allergic reactions/anaphylaxis hours after ingestion.

CTS stays connected to the CDC through multiple research programs including One Health Initiatives. As part of these initiatives CDC partnered with CTS and collaborators at the American Red Cross Scientific Service Office and Vitalant Research Institute to track AGS and other tick-borne illnesses in the blood donor population. This information helps CDC scientists map AGS prevalence in regions where lone star and other ticks are active through the detection of alpha-Gal. sIgE antibodies in blood donor samples collected across the U.S. This research can inform public health policies. Our Research & Development team pulled select donations from states across the U.S. in different risk categories.

This coordinated workflow allows the CDC and its partners to:

1. Map AGS prevalence in regions where lone star and other ticks are active,

2. Validate and refine immunoassays that detect alpha-Gal. sIgE antibodies,

3. Inform public health advisories.

By facilitating seamless, high-quality sample handling and deidentification, CTS underpins a nationwide surveillance initiative that the CDC estimates affects nearly half a million people. Our commitment to rigorous protocol, rapid turnaround and uncompromising data integrity ensures the CDC has the evidence it needs to understand infection rates across the U.S. and respond as quickly as possible.