We are organizing a symposium on Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) at the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center (CCRC), University of Georgia, with several important goals aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of AGS,  sharing of current research and developments, facilitating collaboration and networking, discussion of future diagnosis and treatments, addressing public health implications, promoting patient education, and to encourage funding and support for research and outreach and education activities.

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), also known as the red meat allergy, is a serious condition where the immune system reacts to a sugar molecule called alpha-gal, found in red meat and other mammalian products. This syndrome has been linked to tick bites, especially from the Lone Star tick. After being bitten, a person can develop an allergy to alpha-Gal, causing symptoms ranging from mild hives and itching to severe reactions like anaphylaxis. Symptoms usually appear hours after consuming red meat. Diagnosing AGS can be challenging due to this delayed reaction. Management involves avoiding red meat and sometimes carrying an epinephrine auto-injector. Ongoing research aims to improve understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of AGS.