Study Links Tick-Borne Alpha-Gal Syndrome to Risks in Blood Transfusions

A new multi-institute study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, suggests that the tick-borne alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) may complicate the safe receipt of blood plasma or platelet transfusions for certain patients. Researchers found that transfusion-related alpha-gal syndrome (TRAGS) is a legitimate manifestation of AGS, particularly in type O patients receiving type B or AB platelets or plasma. This finding is anticipated to change transfusion practices, especially in AGS high-prevalence regions.