Glossary

acaricide

A pesticide aimed specifically at ticks and mites.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito)

Yellow fever mosquito.

Appears in: alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-syndrome-explainer, alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-geographic-distribution, alpha-gal-delayed-reaction-pattern, alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis, alpha-gal-misdiagnosis-rate, alpha-gal-surveillance-reporting-gaps, alpha-gal-dietary-management, alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks, alpha-gal-travel-dining-social, alpha-gal-anaphylaxis-emergency-preparedness

aeroallergen

Aeroallergens are particles floating in the air that trigger allergic reactions, such as pollen or pet dander.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers

Agricultural Health Study (AHS)

A long-running federal study that has tracked the health of tens of thousands of licensed pesticide applicators and their spouses since the 1990s.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

AGS (alpha-gal syndrome)

Alpha-gal syndrome — the meat allergy triggered by a tick bite.

allele

One version of a gene.

alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase (α1,3-GT)

The enzyme most mammals use to build alpha-gal.

Appears in: alpha-gal-syndrome-explainer, alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-geographic-distribution, alpha-gal-delayed-reaction-pattern, alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis, alpha-gal-cardiovascular-disease-link, alpha-gal-surveillance-reporting-gaps, alpha-gal-dietary-management

alpha-gal

A sugar molecule (galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose) found in non-primate mammals; the target of the immune response in alpha-gal syndrome.

Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum)

Lone star tick; a tick species that spreads ehrlichiosis and the alpha-gal red-meat allergy.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control, alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-syndrome-explainer, alpha-gal-geographic-distribution, alpha-gal-surveillance-reporting-gaps

Amblyomma maculatum (Gulf Coast tick)

Gulf Coast tick.

anaphylaxis

A severe, whole-body allergic reaction.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum

The bacterium that causes anaplasmosis.

anesthesiology

Anesthesiology is the medical specialty focused on managing pain relief and unconsciousness during surgical procedures.

Appears in: alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks

angioedema

Deep swelling beneath the skin, often around the lips, eyes, throat, or limbs.

Appears in: alpha-gal-syndrome-explainer, alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-geographic-distribution, alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis, alpha-gal-misdiagnosis-rate

Anopheles gambiae

A main African malaria mosquito.

Anopheles stephensi

A malaria mosquito found in Asia.

antihistamines

Medicines that block histamine, a chemical causing itching, hives, and allergic reactions.

Appears in: alpha-gal-anaphylaxis-emergency-preparedness

antivenom

A medicine containing antibodies that neutralizes venom from a poisonous bite or sting.

Appears in: alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks

Arabidopsis thaliana

A small model plant often used in genetics research.

Ascaris lumbricoides

A roundworm that can live in the human intestine.

Appears in: alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-geographic-distribution

atheroma

Fatty deposits that build up inside artery walls, narrowing blood vessels and reducing blood flow.

atheromatous plaque

A buildup of cholesterol and fatty material in artery walls that hardens and narrows blood vessels.

atherosclerosis

Fatty deposits accumulate inside artery walls, narrowing blood vessels and restricting blood flow to the heart and brain.

atopy

The tendency to develop allergic conditions like eczema, asthma, or hay fever.

Appears in: alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-symptoms

autoantibodies

Autoantibodies are antibodies that mistakenly attack the body's own healthy tissues instead of harmful invaders.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms

B antigen

B antigen is a protein marker on red blood cells that determines blood type B.

Appears in: alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis

B cell

B cells are white blood cells that produce antibodies to help fight infections and disease.

Appears in: alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis

basophils

A type of white blood cell that helps drive allergic reactions.

Appears in: alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-delayed-reaction-pattern, alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis

bifenthrin

A pyrethroid insecticide widely used on residential lawns to kill ticks and other pests; sold under product names like Talstar.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

bioconcentration factor

How much a chemical builds up in an animal's tissue compared with the level in the surrounding water. A factor of 21,000 means the animal's tissue holds 21,000 times the water concentration.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

biologics

Biologics are medications produced from living organisms or cells rather than manufactured through chemical synthesis.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers

biomarker

A measurable substance in the body that indicates disease presence or progression.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms

bioprosthetic

A bioprosthetic is a medical implant made from animal tissue used to replace damaged body parts.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-misdiagnosis-rate, alpha-gal-dietary-management, alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks

blinded challenge

A study where patients and doctors don't know who receives real treatment versus placebo, preventing bias from affecting results.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers

Borrelia burgdorferi

The bacterium that causes Lyme disease.

bovine

Relating to cows.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-dietary-management

bovine serum albumin

Bovine serum albumin is a protein extracted from cow blood used in laboratory experiments and food production.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-dietary-management

broadcast application

Spraying a pesticide over the whole treated area rather than just a strip or target zone.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

Candida albicans

A common fungus.

carbamate

An older class of nerve-agent-type insecticides, including carbaryl (Sevin); largely replaced by pyrethroids for home use.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

carbaryl

A carbamate insecticide (brand name Sevin) used before pyrethroids took over the residential market.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

cardiac catheterization

A medical procedure using a thin tube inserted into heart arteries to diagnose or treat heart disease.

carrageenan

Carrageenan is a thickening agent extracted from seaweed used in many processed foods and beverages.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-dietary-management

Cas9 (Cas-9)

The cutting protein CRISPR uses to snip DNA.

Cas9 RNP complex (Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complex)

The CRISPR cutting machinery — the Cas9 protein bundled with its guide RNA.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control, alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-syndrome-explainer, alpha-gal-geographic-distribution, alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-misdiagnosis-rate, alpha-gal-surveillance-reporting-gaps

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the federal public-health agency.

cetuximab

Cetuximab is a cancer drug that blocks a protein helping tumor cells grow.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-geographic-distribution, alpha-gal-delayed-reaction-pattern, alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks

chelicerate

The broad animal group that includes ticks, mites, spiders, and scorpions.

chigger (Trombiculidae larva)

A tiny biting mite larva.

Appears in: alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis

chlorpyrifos

An organophosphate insecticide EPA cancelled for residential use in the early 2000s.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

chorion

The hard outer shell of the egg.

chylomicrons

Chylomicrons are tiny fat-carrying particles produced by intestinal cells to transport dietary lipids through the lymphatic system.

Appears in: alpha-gal-delayed-reaction-pattern, alpha-gal-cardiovascular-disease-link

class-switched

Class-switched refers to when immune B cells change which antibody type they produce.

co-factors (cofactor)

Co-factors are conditions that increase the likelihood or severity of an allergic reaction when present alongside a trigger.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis

commensal microbes

The harmless bacteria that live in and on the body, especially in the gut.

coronary artery calcium score

A measurement of calcium deposits in heart arteries that indicates the extent of hardened plaque buildup.

coronary artery disease

Narrowing of blood vessels that supply the heart, reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery.

Appears in: alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis, alpha-gal-cardiovascular-disease-link

CRISPR

Gene-editing tool that lets scientists make precise cuts to DNA.

cross-contamination

Transfer of disease-causing organisms or allergens from one food or surface to another, usually through shared equipment or utensils.

CT angiography

A CT scan that creates detailed images of blood vessels in the heart to check for blockages or disease.

cytokine

A short chemical message that immune cells send to each other.

degranulation

Immune cells release stored chemicals like histamine into the bloodstream, causing allergic reaction symptoms.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms

deltamethrin

A synthetic pyrethroid insecticide used for tick and mosquito control; sold under names like Suspend.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

denature

To denature means to break apart a molecule's structure, usually through heat or chemicals.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers

Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick)

American dog tick; the tick that spreads Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the eastern United States.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control, alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism

diazinon

An organophosphate insecticide EPA cancelled for residential use in the early 2000s.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

dietitian

A dietitian is a credentialed nutrition specialist who creates customized meal plans based on medical dietary needs.

differential

A differential is the list of possible diagnoses a doctor considers when evaluating a patient's symptoms.

Appears in: alpha-gal-anaphylaxis-emergency-preparedness

differential diagnosis

A list of possible diseases that could explain a patient's symptoms, which doctors narrow down through testing.

Appears in: alpha-gal-misdiagnosis-rate

diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine medication that reduces allergic reactions and is commonly used as a sleep aid.

Appears in: alpha-gal-delayed-reaction-pattern, alpha-gal-anaphylaxis-emergency-preparedness

Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly)

Fruit fly.

DSB (double-strand break)

Double-strand break; a cut through both strands of DNA.

duff

The layer of dead leaves, twigs, and debris on the forest floor where ticks hide between meals.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

dyspnea

Dyspnea is difficult or labored breathing, often accompanied by a sensation of breathlessness.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms

EC50

The concentration of a chemical that produces a defined effect (such as immobilization) in half of the test animals within a given time.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

ECMO

ECMO is a heart-lung machine that circulates and oxygenates blood outside the body for critically ill patients.

Appears in: alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks

ectoparasite

An ectoparasite is a parasite that lives on the outside of a host animal's body.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers

ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans through tick bites.

emesis

Emesis is the medical term for vomiting or the act of expelling stomach contents through the mouth.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms

endoscopy

A thin camera on a flexible tube inserted into the body to visualize internal organs and tissues.

Appears in: alpha-gal-misdiagnosis-rate

endosymbiont

A bacterium that lives permanently inside a host's cells.

endothelium

The endothelium is the thin layer of cells lining the inside of blood vessels.

enzyme

A protein that acts like a tiny molecular tool to build or break down other molecules.

EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Protection Agency)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the federal agency that decides which pesticides can be sold and how they can be used.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

epigastric

The epigastric region is the upper-middle area of the abdomen, located just below the breastbone.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms

epinephrine

Epinephrine is a hormone that rapidly opens airways and stabilizes blood vessels during severe allergic reactions.

Appears in: alpha-gal-anaphylaxis-emergency-preparedness, alpha-gal-symptoms

epinephrine autoinjector

An epinephrine autoinjector is a portable device that delivers an emergency dose of adrenaline to treat severe allergic reactions.

Appears in: alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis, alpha-gal-anaphylaxis-emergency-preparedness

EpiPen

A portable medical device that injects epinephrine to treat severe allergic reactions.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-travel-dining-social

epitope

The specific molecular target on a substance that the immune system learns to recognize.

Appears in: alpha-gal-syndrome-explainer, alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-dietary-management

erythrodermic psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a severe form of psoriasis affecting most of the body's skin surface.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms

etiology

Etiology is the cause or origin of a disease or medical condition.

Appears in: alpha-gal-misdiagnosis-rate

excipient

Excipients are inactive ingredients added to medications to improve stability, appearance, or how the body absorbs them.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks

fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread muscle pain and fatigue without detectable physical tissue damage.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms

foam cells

Foam cells are white blood cells bloated with absorbed fat that accumulate in artery walls.

Food and Drug Administration

The Food and Drug Administration is the federal agency responsible for regulating food and drug safety in the United States.

food challenge

A food challenge is a medical test where a patient eats a suspected allergenic food under doctor supervision to confirm allergy.

Appears in: alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis, alpha-gal-symptoms

FQPA (Food Quality Protection Act)

Food Quality Protection Act of 1996; requires EPA to add an extra 10-fold safety cushion to pesticide limits to protect children, unless data show the cushion is not needed.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

G0

The first generation of injected animals.

gastrointestinal

Relating to the stomach and intestines where food is digested and absorbed.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-misdiagnosis-rate, alpha-gal-dietary-management

gelatin

Gelatin is a rubbery protein extracted by boiling animal skin, bones, and hooves.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-dietary-management, alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks

gene conversion

The copying of a drive allele into the matching gene on the other chromosome.

gene drive

A way of forcing an edited gene to spread through a wild population instead of fading out.

gene knockout

An edit that disables a gene so scientists can see what it does.

Gené's organ

The wax-producing gland in female ticks.

genome

The full set of genetic instructions inside a living thing.

germline

The line of cells that produce eggs or sperm.

germline editing

Changing genes in cells that become eggs or sperm, so the change passes to offspring.

germline transgenesis

Adding new DNA into egg or sperm cells so the change is inherited.

glycerin

Glycerin is a clear, thick liquid used in cosmetics and personal-care products for moisturizing and conditioning skin.

glycolipid

A fat molecule with sugar attached.

Appears in: alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-delayed-reaction-pattern, alpha-gal-cardiovascular-disease-link, alpha-gal-dietary-management

glycoprotein

A protein molecule with sugar molecules chemically attached to its surface.

glycosphingolipids

Glycosphingolipids are fatty molecules with attached sugars found on cell membranes throughout the body.

Appears in: alpha-gal-delayed-reaction-pattern

gravid

Pregnant (carrying eggs).

Haemaphysalis longicornis (Asian longhorned tick)

The Asian longhorned tick.

Appears in: alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-geographic-distribution

half-life

How long it takes for half of a chemical to break down. After several half-lives almost all of it is gone.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

hard-bodied ticks

Hard-bodied ticks are ticks with a hard protective plate on their back, making up most tick species humans encounter.

HCP

Healthcare providers including doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who diagnose and treat patients.

Appears in: alpha-gal-geographic-distribution, alpha-gal-misdiagnosis-rate, alpha-gal-surveillance-reporting-gaps

helminth

A parasitic worm.

Appears in: alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-geographic-distribution

hemocoel

The body cavity of an arthropod.

heparin

Heparin is a medication that prevents blood clots by thinning the blood.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks

heritable mutant lines

Lineages of animals that pass an edit to their offspring.

HHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Health and Human Services)

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Appears in: tick-gene-drive-crispr-research-status, alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-geographic-distribution, alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-surveillance-reporting-gaps, alpha-gal-dietary-management

histamine

Histamine is a chemical released by immune cells that causes itching, swelling, and inflammation during allergic reactions.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-cardiovascular-disease-link

homology-directed repair (HDR)

A precise DNA repair path that copies from a template, needed for knock-in edits.

hypotension

Abnormally low blood pressure that can occur during severe allergic reactions and other serious conditions.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms

i-GONAD (iGONAD)

A CRISPR delivery technique that injects directly into a pregnant female's reproductive tract.

Appears in: alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-syndrome-explainer, alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-geographic-distribution, alpha-gal-delayed-reaction-pattern, alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis, alpha-gal-misdiagnosis-rate, alpha-gal-cardiovascular-disease-link, alpha-gal-surveillance-reporting-gaps, alpha-gal-dietary-management

IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic digestive disorder causing abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms

ICD-10

ICD-10 is the standardized system doctors and insurers use to classify and record medical diagnoses for billing and data tracking.

Appears in: alpha-gal-surveillance-reporting-gaps

idiopathic

A medical condition with no identifiable cause is called idiopathic.

Appears in: alpha-gal-geographic-distribution, alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-misdiagnosis-rate, alpha-gal-surveillance-reporting-gaps

IgE

The kind of antibody the body makes when it thinks something is an allergen.

IgG

IgG is an antibody protein that your immune system produces to fight infections and provide long-term protection.

IgG1

IgG1 is an antibody type the immune system produces in response to infection or allergen exposure.

Appears in: alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis, alpha-gal-cardiovascular-disease-link

IgG3

IgG3 is a type of antibody the immune system produces that may indicate active or recent tick-borne infection.

Appears in: alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis

IgG4

IgG4 is an antibody that the immune system produces in response to repeated exposure to a foreign substance.

Appears in: alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis

IgM

IgM is an antibody type produced early during the body's initial immune response to infection.

IL-4 (interleukin-4)

A signaling molecule (cytokine) that pushes B cells to make IgE antibodies.

in vitro

In a lab dish rather than inside a living body.

Appears in: alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-delayed-reaction-pattern

inactive ingredients

Inactive ingredients are substances in medications that don't treat disease but help hold the drug in its proper form.

Appears in: alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks

infliximab

Infliximab is a drug that blocks inflammation-causing proteins in the body to treat autoimmune diseases.

Appears in: alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks

infodemiology

Infodemiology is the study of online search data and digital information patterns to track and understand health concerns in populations.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-surveillance-reporting-gaps

infusion center

A medical facility where patients receive fluids, medications, or blood products through intravenous (IV) lines.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms

iNKT cell (invariant natural killer T cell)

A specialized white blood cell that can recognize sugars linked to fats, unlike most T cells which recognize proteins.

intra-ovular pressure

The pressure inside the egg.

intravascular

Intravascular means the drug enters directly into a blood vessel (vein or artery).

Appears in: alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks

intravascular ultrasound

Intravascular ultrasound is imaging technology that uses sound waves from inside blood vessels to visualize arterial walls and plaque buildup.

IRGC (International Risk Governance Center)

International Risk Governance Center, a Swiss think tank that tracks emerging-technology risks.

Ixodes holocyclus

Ixodes holocyclus is the Australian paralysis tick that can cause illness through its saliva.

Ixodes pacificus (western black-legged tick)

The western black-legged tick, a close cousin of the eastern deer tick that lives along the U.S. West Coast.

Appears in: tick-gene-drive-crispr-research-status, bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control, alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-geographic-distribution, alpha-gal-surveillance-reporting-gaps

Ixodes ricinus (Ixodes ricinus)

A hard tick species found across Europe that transmits alpha-gal syndrome and other pathogens to humans.

Appears in: alpha-gal-geographic-distribution, alpha-gal-cardiovascular-disease-link

Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick, deer tick, blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis)

Black-legged tick; the tick that spreads Lyme disease in the eastern United States.

knock-in

Inserting new DNA into a gene, rather than just breaking an existing gene.

knockdown

The pesticide industry's term for the fast paralysis stage of an insecticide's effect, before death.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

knockout

Breaking or disabling a gene (vs. knock-in, which inserts new DNA).

lanolin

Lanolin is a waxy oil extracted from sheep's wool used in moisturizing creams and ointments.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-dietary-management

laryngeal edema

Swelling of the larynx (voice box) that can narrow the airway and restrict breathing.

Appears in: alpha-gal-anaphylaxis-emergency-preparedness

LC50

The concentration of a chemical in water or air that kills half the test animals within a given time.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

LD50

The dose of a chemical that kills half the test animals over a defined time window; a standard toxicology benchmark.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

leukotrienes

Leukotrienes are chemical messengers released by immune cells that cause inflammation and blood vessel leakiness.

lipoproteins

Lipoproteins are molecules that carry fats through the bloodstream by combining cholesterol with protein.

LOC (level of concern)

Level of concern; the smallest margin of exposure EPA considers safe. A margin below the LOC means the safety buffer is too thin.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

longitudinal

Tracked over a long stretch of time.

Appears in: alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis

lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that drains fluid from tissues and helps fight infections.

Appears in: alpha-gal-delayed-reaction-pattern

macrophages

Large immune cells that engulf pathogens, debris, and damaged cells to protect the body.

Appears in: alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-delayed-reaction-pattern, alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis, alpha-gal-cardiovascular-disease-link, alpha-gal-anaphylaxis-emergency-preparedness

magnesium stearate

Magnesium stearate is a white powder lubricant added to pills to prevent sticking during manufacturing.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-dietary-management

mast cell protease

An enzyme released by mast cells that helps trigger allergic and inflammatory responses in the body.

Appears in: alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis

mast cells

Immune cells that release histamine and other chemicals during allergic reactions.

Mendelian inheritance

The standard 50/50 rule of gene passing described by Gregor Mendel in the 1800s.

Metarhizium anisopliae (Metarhizium fungus)

A naturally occurring fungus that kills ticks by infection; sold as a biological spray for people who want a non-chemical option.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

minimum risk product (25(b) exempt pesticide)

A natural-ingredient pesticide that EPA exempts from its normal registration process under the 25(b) rule.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

MMR

MMR is a vaccine that protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella.

Appears in: alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks

MMWR

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report — the CDC's main public-health bulletin.

MOE (margin of exposure)

Margin of exposure; how far a real-world pesticide exposure sits below a dose known to cause harm in studies.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

moiety

A moiety is a distinct chemical group that forms part of a larger molecule.

monoclonal antibodies

Lab-made antibodies designed to target one specific protein or cell in the body.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers

monoclonal antibody

A monoclonal antibody is a lab-made protein designed to target and bind to specific cells or substances in the body.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks

mucocutaneous

Mucocutaneous refers to the skin and moist tissues lining the mouth, nose, and eyes.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-symptoms

Mus musculus (house mouse)

House mouse.

myocardial infarction

A heart attack caused by blocked blood flow to the heart muscle.

nanoparticle

A nanoparticle is an extremely small particle, typically less than one-millionth of a millimeter in size.

Appears in: alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis

neonicotinoid

A class of insecticide best known for its role in the pollinator-decline debate; commonly used as a seed treatment on major crops.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

NHEJ (non-homologous end joining)

Non-homologous end joining; a quick-and-sloppy DNA repair path common in most animals.

non-target organism

A species the pesticide is not aimed at but that gets hit anyway, such as bees, fish, or earthworms.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

NPIC (National Pesticide Information Center)

National Pesticide Information Center; a federally funded partnership between EPA and Oregon State University that publishes plain-language pesticide fact sheets.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

NSAIDs

NSAIDs are pain-relieving medications like ibuprofen and naproxen that reduce inflammation and fever.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-delayed-reaction-pattern, alpha-gal-symptoms

nymph

The young, sub-adult tick life stage; responsible for most human Lyme disease cases because nymphs are small and hard to spot.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control, alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis

occupational

Occupational exposure refers to hazards or risks encountered through a person's work or job activities.

odds ratio

The odds ratio measures how many times more likely an event is to occur in one group compared to another.

oligosaccharide

A small molecule made of a few sugar units bonded together.

Appears in: alpha-gal-geographic-distribution, alpha-gal-cardiovascular-disease-link

ophthalmology

Ophthalmology is the medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating eye diseases and disorders.

Appears in: alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks

oral immunotherapy

Oral immunotherapy is treatment where patients eat gradually increasing amounts of an allergen food to build tolerance.

Appears in: alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis

oral steroid

Oral steroid: A medication taken by mouth that reduces inflammation and immune system activity in the body.

organophosphate

A class of older nerve-agent-type insecticides largely pulled from home use by EPA in the early 2000s.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

oropharyngeal

The mouth and upper throat region where food and air pass through.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms

oviposition (egg-laying)

Egg-laying.

pancreatic enzymes

Pancreatic enzymes are digestive proteins extracted from animal pancreas that help break down food in the intestines.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks

paresthesia

Tingling, prickling, or numb sensations in the skin.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

peptide epitope

A peptide epitope is the specific protein fragment that an antibody recognizes and binds to.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers

periorbital edema

Swelling of the tissues surrounding the eyes that can persist over time.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms

permethrin

A synthetic pyrethroid used as a clothing treatment and in some yard sprays.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

person-years

A person-year measures one person's exposure to risk over one year, used to standardize disease rates across populations.

pharmacopeia

An official list of medicines and medical products approved for use in medical practice and healthcare settings.

Appears in: alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks

phenotype

An observable trait of an organism.

Appears in: tick-gene-drive-crispr-research-status, alpha-gal-symptoms

plasma cell

Plasma cells are B cells that produce and secrete antibodies in response to infection or vaccination.

Appears in: alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis

plasma expanders (plasma expander)

Fluids given intravenously to increase blood volume when a patient has lost significant blood.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks

plasmablast

A plasmablast is an antibody-producing immune cell that develops from B cells and survives for a short time.

Appears in: alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis

Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth)

Diamondback moth, a crop pest.

porcine

Porcine means relating to or derived from pigs.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms

post-application exposure

Contact with a pesticide after it has been sprayed, for example by children playing on treated lawn.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

ppb (parts per billion)

Parts per billion; one part in a billion. Roughly one drop in an Olympic swimming pool.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

ppt (parts per trillion)

Parts per trillion; one part in a trillion. A thousand times smaller than parts per billion.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

preprint

A draft scientific paper that has not yet been peer-reviewed.

proatherogenic

Tending to promote the buildup of plaque in blood vessels and arteries.

prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)

A small signaling molecule that tells nearby immune cells how to behave; abundant in tick saliva and tamps down inflammation.

pruritus

Pruritus is intense itching of the skin.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis

pyrethrin

A natural insecticide extracted from chrysanthemum flowers; the model for the synthetic pyrethroid class.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

pyrethroid

A synthetic insecticide modeled on the natural pyrethrin compounds from chrysanthemum flowers.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

refractoriness to pathogens

Resistance to germs (the animal cannot carry or spread them).

registration review

The routine EPA re-check every registered pesticide has to pass, at least once every 15 years, to stay on the market.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

REI (restricted-entry interval)

Restricted-entry interval; the waiting time after a pesticide spray before anyone can re-enter the treated field.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

ReMOT Control

A CRISPR delivery method that injects adult females instead of embryos.

reservoir

The animal from which ticks or other vectors pick up a germ.

reverse genetics

Changing a gene to see what trait changes in the animal.

RNAi (RNA interference)

RNA interference; a temporary technique that silences a gene without editing it.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (brewer's yeast, baker's yeast)

Brewer's/baker's yeast.

salivary glands

The organs that make spit.

sediment

The muck and silt at the bottom of streams, ponds, and estuaries, where many aquatic invertebrates live.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

sensitization

The moment the immune system first learns to treat something as a threat.

Appears in: alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-geographic-distribution, alpha-gal-surveillance-reporting-gaps

sensitized

Trained by an earlier exposure to recognize a substance as an allergen, so the next exposure triggers an allergic reaction.

seronegative

Seronegative means a blood test shows no antibodies to a specific disease or pathogen.

Appears in: alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis, alpha-gal-misdiagnosis-rate

seroprevalence

Seroprevalence is the percentage of people in a population who have antibodies to a specific disease in their blood.

Appears in: alpha-gal-geographic-distribution, alpha-gal-surveillance-reporting-gaps

sgRNA (single guide RNA)

The \"guide\" molecule that tells CRISPR where to cut.

Appears in: alpha-gal-lone-star-tick-mechanism, alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-geographic-distribution, alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis, alpha-gal-cardiovascular-disease-link, alpha-gal-surveillance-reporting-gaps

sIgE (specific IgE)

Specific IgE — the allergy-style antibody aimed specifically at one target (like alpha-gal).

sodium channel

The tiny gates a nerve cell uses to fire a signal. When pyrethroids jam them open, nerves misfire until the insect is paralyzed.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

somatic editing

A change in body cells only, not in eggs or sperm, so it cannot be inherited.

STEMI

A heart attack caused by complete blockage of a coronary artery, shown by ST elevation on an EKG.

stridor

A high-pitched, harsh breathing sound caused by disrupted airflow through a narrowed airway.

Appears in: alpha-gal-anaphylaxis-emergency-preparedness

systemic intoxication

Chemical poisoning that has spread through the bloodstream to affect the whole body, as opposed to a local skin effect.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

systemic mastocytosis

A rare condition where excessive mast cells accumulate throughout the body, causing inflammation and allergic-like symptoms.

Appears in: alpha-gal-symptoms

T cells

White blood cells that tell other immune cells which antibodies to make.

Talstar (Talstar P)

A common commercial brand of bifenthrin (Talstar P and Talstar Professional) used by pest-control companies.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

TBDWG (Tick-Borne Disease Working Group)

Tick-Borne Disease Working Group; advises Congress on tick-borne disease policy.

Appears in: tick-gene-drive-crispr-research-status, alpha-gal-geographic-distribution, alpha-gal-surveillance-reporting-gaps

Tetranychus urticae (two-spotted spider mite)

Two-spotted spider mite, a common plant pest.

TH2

A type of helper T cell that pushes the immune system toward making IgE antibodies, the kind involved in allergic reactions.

thyroglobulin

Thyroglobulin is the protein the thyroid gland uses to store thyroid hormones before releasing them into blood.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers

thyroid hormone

Thyroid hormone is a chemical messenger produced by the thyroid gland that regulates body metabolism and energy levels.

Appears in: alpha-gal-medication-medical-procedure-risks

titer

A titer is the measured concentration of antibodies or infectious agents present in a blood sample.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-syndrome-resolution-prognosis

TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load)

Total Maximum Daily Load; the limit a water body is allowed to carry for a given pollutant under the Clean Water Act.

Appears in: bifenthrin-pyrethroid-yard-tick-control

tryptase

Tryptase is a protein released by mast cells during allergic reactions, with elevated blood levels confirming anaphylaxis.

Appears in: alpha-gal-anaphylaxis-emergency-preparedness

tsetse fly

A large biting fly found in parts of Africa.

urticaria

Urticaria is a skin condition causing raised, itchy welts that appear and disappear.

Appears in: alpha-gal-reaction-triggers, alpha-gal-geographic-distribution, alpha-gal-symptoms, alpha-gal-misdiagnosis-rate

vector

An organism (such as a tick or mosquito) that carries a disease or allergen-trigger from one host to another.

vector-borne disease (VBD)

A disease spread through a biting animal, such as a mosquito or tick.