Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a popular food item and are cherished by many cultures for their unique aroma, flavour, and texture. They are also a source of protein and other nutrients. However, some wild mushrooms contain toxins that can seriously harm consumers' health, leading to permanent organ damage or even death. These toxic mushrooms can sometimes be misidentified as edible ones, leading to accidental ingestion and mushroom poisoning. The severity of mushroom poisoning depends on various factors, including the type of toxin ingested, the amount consumed, and individual susceptibility. While some mushrooms contain less toxic compounds, others possess very potent toxins that can be life-threatening even with prompt treatment. Understanding the toxicological profiles of different mushroom species is crucial to prevent accidental poisonings and ensure food safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of mushroom species that are toxic | Approximately 100 out of thousands of species |
| Number of ingestions annually in the United States | 6000 |
| Proportion of ingestions by children under six years | Over half |
| Toxins | Amatoxins, Gyromitrins, Orellanine, Norleucine, Muscarine, Psilocybin, Muscimol, Ibotenic Acid, Coprine, Cyclopeptides, Phallotoxins, Virotoxins, Cholinergic, Disulfiram-like reaction, GABA, NMDA, CNS poisons, etc. |
| Symptoms | Sweating, Salivation, Tears, Blurred vision, Palpitations, Respiratory failure, Kidney failure, Liver failure, Neurologic sequelae, Renal or muscle injury, Hallucinations, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Nausea, Headache, Fatigue, Thirst, etc. |
| Cause of toxins in mushrooms | Believed to be a defence mechanism to deter predation |
| Preventative measures | Avoid consuming wild mushrooms as they may be poisonous, even if they look similar to edible mushrooms |
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What You'll Learn
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning
While most mushrooms are non-toxic, there are approximately 100 species of mushrooms that are toxic. Mushroom poisonings can occur due to the misidentification of a poisonous species as edible, or in some cases, the intentional ingestion of poisonous mushrooms. The symptoms of mushroom poisoning vary depending on the species, toxins, and amount ingested. However, most mushroom poisonings exhibit symptoms of gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other symptoms of mushroom poisoning can include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Sweating, salivation, and tears
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Altered sensorium and euphoria
- Kidney pain
- Neurologic issues
- Liver failure
- Kidney failure
- Respiratory distress
- Hypoxia
- Altered mental status
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Thirst
The onset of symptoms can vary, with some mushrooms causing symptoms within a few hours of ingestion, while others may take several days. It's important to note that even mild nausea after consuming mushrooms should be evaluated as it could be an early sign of severe illness. If you suspect mushroom poisoning, it's crucial to seek medical help immediately and provide as much information as possible about the mushrooms consumed, including their color, texture, cap appearance, and the amount ingested.
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Toxic and edible mushrooms co-existing
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that can be found in many environments, including deep in the forest, on stream banks, and on trees. While most mushrooms are not toxic, some species contain very potent toxins and are highly poisonous. It is important to be able to accurately identify a mushroom before consuming it, as some poisonous mushrooms can be deadly.
There are a few key ways to distinguish between toxic and edible mushrooms. One method is to examine the gills of the mushroom, as many poisonous mushrooms have true gills, while edible mushrooms may have folds instead. For example, the poisonous Jack O'Lantern mushroom has true gills, while the edible Chanterelle mushroom has folds. Another distinguishing feature is the presence of spores. Once the spores begin to develop, the mushroom is no longer safe to forage. To determine whether spores have developed, cut the mushroom in half vertically and examine the color; if the interior is pure white, spores have not yet developed.
In addition to these visual cues, there may be other phenotypes or observable characteristics that co-occur with toxicity and act as warning signals. For example, some poisonous mushrooms may have an unpleasant smell that discourages consumption. However, it is important to note that not all humans may be able to detect this odor, and there may be other reasons for the presence of toxins in mushrooms that are unrelated to deterring consumption by humans.
While most toxic mushrooms are easily distinguishable from their edible counterparts, there are some toxic look-alikes that can be dangerous. For example, the Shaggy Mane, an edible mushroom for experienced foragers, has a similar shape and color to the Alcohol Inky Cap, which contains the toxic component "coprine". Similarly, the Yellow Morel, an edible mushroom, has a poisonous look-alike in the Gyromitra species, which contain the highly toxic and carcinogenic chemical gyromitrin. Other toxic mushrooms that resemble edible varieties include the destroying angel, which resembles edible button mushrooms, and the death cap, which resembles straw mushrooms and caesar's mushrooms.
In conclusion, while most mushrooms are not toxic, it is important to be able to accurately identify a mushroom before consuming it to avoid ingesting toxic look-alikes. There are a few key ways to distinguish between toxic and edible mushrooms, including examining the gills, checking for the presence of spores, and being aware of potential warning signals such as an unpleasant smell. By following these guidelines and being cautious when foraging for mushrooms, one can minimize the risk of consuming toxic varieties.
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How to identify toxic mushrooms
There is no simple way to tell if a wild mushroom is poisonous or not. Even toxicologists, who are experts in poisonous substances, often have trouble identifying them. However, there are some characteristics that might help distinguish potentially harmful mushrooms.
Firstly, it is important to note that not all mushrooms are poisonous. Many mushrooms are edible, and the number of edible species varies by location. For example, the Alabama Mushroom Society lists 18 common edible mushroom species. However, some edible mushrooms have poisonous lookalikes, so it is crucial to scrutinize wild mushrooms for subtle details. For instance, meadow mushrooms are edible, but they closely resemble the highly toxic destroying angel mushrooms.
Secondly, some mushrooms have distinct toxic characteristics. For example, the death cap, funeral bell, and deadly dapperling mushrooms all produce the deadly amanitin toxin, which can cause liver failure. Similarly, the false parasol, the most frequently ingested poisonous mushroom in North America, causes gastrointestinal distress. Other toxic mushrooms include the panther mushroom, the greengills, and the pinkgills.
Thirdly, some general guidelines can help reduce the risk of encountering toxic mushrooms. It is recommended to only pick mushrooms that you know well and have previously eaten without problems. Avoid picking mushrooms near roads, industrial sites, or contaminated areas, as they can absorb environmental pollutants. Additionally, do not rely on popular beliefs, such as assuming that mushrooms eaten by animals are safe for humans or that their colour or interaction with garlic indicates their edibility. Instead, consult specialized mycological guides or seek advice from experienced mycologists or pharmacists.
Finally, if you suspect that you or someone you know has ingested a toxic mushroom, seek immediate medical attention, even if there are no apparent symptoms. Bring a sample of the mushroom in a sealed bag to help healthcare providers identify the species and determine the appropriate treatment. Mobile mushroom recognition apps can also be useful tools for identification, but they should be used with discretion and not as a replacement for traditional resources and expert consultation.
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The origin of deadly toxins in mushrooms
Mushrooms refer to the fungal fruiting body, typically featuring a stem and a cap with gills that produce spores to aid in the propagation of the fungus. Of the many mushroom species, only about 100 are toxic. However, between 2010 and 2017, poison control centres recorded around 1,000 cases of poisoning per year due to the ingestion of toxic mushrooms.
The phenomenon of mushroom toxicity is believed to be a defence mechanism to prevent the consumption of forest mushrooms by predators such as rodents, slugs, and insects. This theory is supported by the fact that certain phenotypes or observable characteristics may co-occur with toxicity, acting as warning signals to deter predators. For example, some poisonous mushrooms emit an unpleasant smell that discourages consumption. However, there is no definitive evidence that this odour is a result of toxin production or a warning signal.
Amanita, Lepiota, and Galerina species are known to contain deadly toxins. Specifically, the "death cap" variety of Amanita has all four genes related to toxin production, with dozens of copies of each gene, resulting in high toxin accumulation. This toxin, called amanitin, is believed to have originated in a fungus present in forest soils alongside the ancestors of the death cap, funeral bell, and deadly dapperling mushrooms. These three species produce the same deadly toxin, amanitin, despite their differences. The genes required to produce amanitin are thought to have been transferred horizontally, directly transferring genetic material without sexual transmission.
Other toxic mushrooms include Chlorophyllum molybdites, Entoloma, Inocybe, Omphalotus spp. (Jack-o-lantern mushrooms), and white Clitocybe species, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in the case of Jack-o-lantern mushrooms, respiratory failure. Mushroom toxins can lead to a range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhoea, dehydration, renal failure, liver failure, neurologic issues, and even death.
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Treatment for mushroom poisoning
While mushrooms are not inherently high in toxins, certain types of mushrooms do contain very potent toxins and are very poisonous. Poisonous mushrooms emit an unpleasant smell, but this is not always detectable to humans. If you suspect mushroom poisoning, do not wait for symptoms to develop. Contact Poison Control immediately.
If you are experiencing symptoms of mushroom poisoning, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Mushroom toxicity has a broad range of manifestations, from benign symptoms of general gastrointestinal upset to devastating manifestations such as liver failure, kidney failure, and neurological issues. The treatment for mushroom poisoning will depend on the specific type of mushroom ingested and the toxins it contains. Management of most mushroom ingestions is with supportive care, and an interprofessional approach is required to care for the patient.
If you have ingested a poisonous mushroom, early volume resuscitation is important, especially for liver and kidney toxic syndromes. Activated charcoal is crucial in limiting the absorption of most toxins and is indicated for all patients with amatoxin mushroom poisoning. When amatoxins are suspected, multiple doses of activated charcoal should be administered to interrupt enterohepatic circulation. Other treatments may include gut decontamination, including whole-bowel irrigation, and orogastric lavage within the first hour after ingestion. Pharmacists should be consulted early, as most medications, such as N-acetylcysteine and pyridoxine, are not readily available.
For patients with Cortinarius ingestion, one study found that many patients developed renal impairment, with some requiring hemodialysis or even kidney transplantation. In cases of less severe mushroom poisoning, treatment may involve aggressive IV fluid resuscitation and consideration for IV sodium bicarbonate to alkalinize the urine. In rare cases, dialysis may be necessary if renal failure occurs. Anticholinergic poisoning may be treated with benzodiazepines, and in rare cases, physostigmine may be administered. Agitation, often observed with hallucinogenic mushrooms, is also treated with benzodiazepines.
It is important to note that, in some cases, mushroom poisoning may be due to the consumption of mushrooms that have been contaminated by other toxins, such as the ergot Claviceps purpurea, which grows on rye. Therefore, it is crucial to properly identify mushrooms before consumption and seek medical attention if any symptoms of poisoning occur.
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Frequently asked questions
There are thousands of mushroom species, but only about 100 are toxic. However, some edible mushrooms contain poisonous compounds, and the severity of intoxication depends on the amount consumed.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning range from benign gastrointestinal upset to devastating manifestations, including liver failure, kidney failure, and neurologic sequelae. Some toxins can also cause drunk-like symptoms, illusions, hallucinations, or even convulsions.
The only way to avoid mushroom poisoning is to refrain from consuming wild mushrooms. Many toxic and non-toxic mushrooms look similar, and it can be challenging to distinguish between them. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly if any symptoms of mushroom poisoning are suspected.
