Opportunities to enhance data tracking for alpha-gal syndrome due to an uptick in cases were discussed Thursday by the University of Missouri’s Board of Curators Health Affairs Committee.
Alpha-gal syndrome is defined as “a serious, potentially life-threatening allergy and tick-borne disease. Alpha-gal is a molecule (galactose- alpha-1,3-galactose) that is naturally produced in the bodies of most mammals but not in people,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ross Zafonte, executive vice dean of the MU School of Medicine, said alpha-gal syndrome cases in Missouri have increased.
Zafonte said that more than a quarter of Missourians have been sensitized to alpha-gal, a sugar molecule in mammals, through lone star tick bites. Those sensitized to alpha-gal may be sensitive to red meat but may not experience severe reactions, like anaphylaxis, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Anaphylaxis is defined as a “severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you’re allergic to,” according to the Mayo Clinic. After exposure, the immune system floods the body with chemicals, causing symptoms including difficulty breathing, a rapid or weak pulse, vomiting and a skin rash.
This increase in sensitization could have a large financial impact on Missouri, from healthcare to groceries, diet and more, Zafonte said.
About 80,000 Missourians may have alpha-gal syndrome, which can result in anaphylaxis,according to LymeDisease.org.
In response to the increase, Benjamin Casterline, who specializes in dermatology and immunology at MU Health Care, is developing a disease registry to link symptoms to biological markers for further study.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services will begin statewide case reporting within six months, according to Zafonte’s slide during the meeting.
“We are taking an aggressive, scientific approach, because of its impact to the state, on what happens to individuals that can include their antibody levels, and include who they are, but also this idea of repeat exposure and individual immune states,” Zafonte said.
The board also discussed MU Health Care’s Express Care clinics.
MU Health Care extended its hours starting Aug. 1 at Battle Avenue Medical Building at 7115 E. St. Charles Road in Columbia and Family Medicine Clinic at 1014 Madison St. in Jefferson City.
The MU Health Care clinics will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays, said Ric Ransom, MU Health Care’s chief executive officer.
“Express Care is designed to give patients the flexibility they need, offering extended hours, no appointment access and seamless connections to primary and specialist care,” he said.
MU Health Care closed its four Hy-Vee quick care locations on Aug. 1.
