Tick-Borne Alpha-Gal Syndrome Linked to Transfusion Reactions in New Study

A multi-institute study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that tick-borne alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) can cause allergic reactions during blood plasma or platelet transfusions, particularly in type O patients receiving B or AB units. This finding, termed Transfusion-Related Alpha-Gal Syndrome (TRAGS), highlights a new risk for transfusion safety, prompting some medical centers like Dartmouth Hitchcock to adjust transfusion practices to prevent potential patient injury.