A consistent “shortage” of cases of the alpha-gal syndrome (AS) on the Gulf coast: possible relevance of fire ants as a predator of lone star ticks

Allergic reactions to red meat in patients with IgE to alpha-gal are common in the southeastern U.S., but appear less common on the Gulf coast and into much of Texas. This contrasts with the reported distribution of A americanum (lone star tick). In addition, it has been known for many years that fire ants can kill ticks. (Source: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)

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