What are ticks?

Ticks are parasitic arachnids (not insects). Ticks may vary in size at different life stages: the larva is about 0.5 mm, the nymph is 1-2 mm, and the adult can range from 3 to 5 mm, growing larger after feeding.  They normally feed on blood of animals such as small mammals, birds, or deer. They ‘bite’ by piercing the host skin with a special mouthpart.

Occasionally, they can also feed on humans. The bite itself is not painful, nor harmful and often goes unnoticed. However, ticks can transmit pathogens to their host during their blood meal, or even trigger a food allergy to mammalian meat, which are the actual threats of a tick bite for humans.

Where are ticks commonly found?

Ticks can be found in principally any green area, like parks, gardens, meadows, forests, etc. They linger in high grass, bushes or forest litter, waiting for a host to pass by. They do not jump or fall from trees!

When is tick season?

Ticks are hibernating during winter. They are active from early spring to late autumn.

How can I prevent tick bites?

The most effective protection against tick bites is adequate clothing: closed shoes, long sleeves, and long trousers tucked into socks or boots. While hiking, stay on the trails, where the risk of tick bites is lower, since ticks prefer dense vegetation. Choose preferably light colors for the clothing), so you can actually spot a tick better. Repellents, such as permethrin-containing insecticide, can be used to treat socks and trouser legs.

How do I properly remove a tick?

After every outdoor activity, it is important to do a body scan and remove any tick as soon as possible. The best way to remove a tick is grasping it as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pulling it out slowly and steadily without twisting. One can use a removal device available in pharmacies or any fine-tipped forceps.. Do not apply any substances, such as alcohol or Vaseline, while the tick is still attached, because this might induce the tick to regurgitate its gut content into the bite wound and increase the risk of infection. After removing the tick, you can clean the bite site with disinfectant.

What is the α-Gal syndrome?

The α-Gal Syndrome is a food allergy to a specific sugar called galactose-α-1,3-galactose, or more simply α-Gal. This sugar is produced by mammalians and is thus present in mammal-derived products such as meat. However human cells do not produce α-Gal, which is why our immune system might recognize this sugar as foreign and reacts with an allergic reaction upon digestion of red meat, innards or other mammal-derived products. Unlike most food allergies, reactions do not occur immediately after eating. Instead symptoms typically appear two to six hours later and can manifest in various ways, including skin reactions, gastrointestinal discomfort, breathing difficulties or even multiple symptoms, leading to severe and dangerous reactions. The reaction can be more intense in the presence of co-factors like physical exercises, alcohol or certain medications. Some mammal-derived products, such as dairy products or gelatin, contain lower amounts of α-Gal and may be tolerated by most patients.

What causes the α-Gal Syndrome?

To date, ticks are the only known initiators responsible for this allergy. A tick can transmit α-Gal through its saliva during the bite. In certain individuals, the human immune system reacts by producing specific IgE antibodies against α-Gal. These antibodies can form the basis for the development of an allergy to red meat.

I’m interested in participating in the study, what should I do?

Remove the tick that has bitten you as soon as possible, or seek medical assistance for the tick removal at your general practitioner, “Maison Médicale” or emergency room. Keep the tick (in a small plastic/glass container or well-sealed envelope) and contact the study team to make an appointment within 48 hours (tel. +352 26 970-400). They will further guide you through the process and answer all your questions. Alternatively, you can contact the study team and have your tick removed at your appointment.