Dartmouth Health at the Forefront: Unraveling Tick-Borne Illnesses and Revolutionizing Patient Safety

There's no denying it: tick-borne illnesses are becoming an ever-present worry, especially here in New Hampshire and Vermont. From the familiar threat of Lyme disease to the lesser-known but increasingly significant Alpha-gal Syndrome, these tiny arachnids pack a mighty punch. Thankfully, Dartmouth Health, including the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) and the Geisel School of Medicine, stands at the forefront of tackling this growing public health challenge, with researchers actively unraveling complex aspects of these diseases and, crucially, developing better ways to protect us.

One of the most eye-opening recent revelations comes from a groundbreaking multi-institute study, spearheaded by researchers right at Dartmouth Health and the Geisel School of Medicine. This comprehensive effort, involving 40 sites across five countries – that's quite a reach, isn't it? – delved deep into the risks associated with Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS). You know, AGS is that unique allergy to red meat and other mammalian products, which is transmitted by the bite of the Lone Star tick. It was first documented not so long ago, in 2025, and it’s really complicating things for some patients in ways we’re just beginning to understand.

Specifically, this study, whose findings were published in the esteemed JAMA Internal Medicine, uncovered a critical issue: AGS can seriously complicate certain patients' ability to safely receive blood plasma or platelet transfusions. Imagine being a type O patient with AGS and needing a transfusion. Well, it turns out you're at a significantly increased risk of severe allergic reactions if you receive B or AB plasma or platelets. The researchers, including the study's corresponding author, Richard M. Kaufman, MD, a Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Geisel, along with senior author Nancy M. Dunbar, MD, and Anne G. Hoen, PhD, actually coined a term for this: "transfusion-related alpha-gal syndrome," or TRAGS. It’s quite serious, prompting DHMC to already take immediate action by ceasing B or AB platelet transfusions to O patients. That’s how impactful these findings are for patient safety.

But the fight against tick-borne illnesses doesn’t stop with AGS. Dartmouth Health is also deeply engaged in understanding and mitigating the more widespread threat of Lyme disease, which is particularly prevalent in our region. Here in New Hampshire and Vermont, the blacklegged tick – you might know it as the deer tick – is the main culprit, carrying the pathogens for most tick-borne illnesses. It’s a sobering thought, but about 50% of adult blacklegged ticks and a quarter of the nymphs in the Northeast carry the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. That's why experts like Jeffrey Parsonnet, MD, an Infectious Disease Expert at DHMC, emphasize vigilance.

Beyond prevention, the focus is heavily on improved diagnostics. Guohong (Grace) Huang, PhD, who leads a team at the Laboratory for Clinical Genomics and Advanced Technology at DHMC, is spearheading some truly innovative research in this area. Her team is developing new diagnostic tools, including the use of skin biopsies for Lyme disease. This is a game-changer for patients who might not present with the typical bull's-eye rash or who don't yet have detectable antibodies in their blood, ensuring earlier and more accurate diagnoses. While Alpha-gal Syndrome from Lone Star ticks is more of a national concern, its presence in NH and VT is something experts like Marika Henegan, MD, Medical Director of Urgent Visits at Cheshire Medical Center, another Dartmouth Health member, are closely monitoring, just in case. It’s all about staying ahead of these tiny, but formidable, threats.

Ultimately, the comprehensive and pioneering research being conducted by Dartmouth Health researchers is nothing short of vital. By not only identifying new risks, like those associated with Alpha-gal Syndrome transfusions, but also by continually refining diagnostic approaches for common ailments like Lyme disease, they are truly enhancing patient care and safety across our communities and beyond. It’s a powerful reminder of the dedication and expertise working behind the scenes to keep us healthy in a world where ticks are increasingly making their presence felt.