Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a tasty treat, but they can also be toxic. While only about 3% of known mushroom varieties are poisonous, consuming even a bite of them can be harmful and even fatal. The symptoms of mushroom poisoning can vary from gastrointestinal discomfort to liver failure and death, depending on the type of toxin ingested. Amatoxins, for instance, are responsible for over 95% of mushroom-related fatalities in the United States. The period between ingestion and the onset of symptoms varies dramatically between toxins, with some taking days to manifest. The severity of mushroom poisoning may also depend on the geographic location where the mushroom is grown, growth conditions, the amount of toxin delivered, and the genetic characteristics of the mushroom. Given the risks, it is important to be cautious when consuming mushrooms, especially those collected by oneself or others without extensive knowledge of wild mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of mushroom species in the United States | 10,000 |
| Number of toxic mushroom species | 100 |
| Number of poisonous mushroom species worldwide | 100 out of 100,000 |
| Number of mushroom species causing poisoning in humans | 15-20 |
| Number of poisonous mushroom species in China | 480 |
| Number of poisonous mushroom species in the Pacific Northwest | 1 (Conocybe filaris) |
| Number of poisonous mushroom species in Europe | 2 (Death Cap, Deadly Dapperling) |
| Number of poisonous mushroom species in Northern Europe | 1 (Deadly Webcap) |
| Number of poisonous mushroom species in the Northern Hemisphere and parts of Australia | 1 (Autumn Skullcap) |
| Number of poisonous mushroom species in Asia | 1 (Amanita phalloides) |
| Most common reason for misidentification of poisonous mushrooms | Close resemblance in terms of colour and general morphology |
| Time taken for symptoms of poisoning to show | 20 minutes to 4 hours; 6-12 hours; 1-3 days; 2-3 days; 3 weeks |
| Symptoms of poisoning | Vomiting, diarrhea, stumbling, tremors, seizures, liver failure, kidney failure, massive bleeding, death |
| Toxins in mushrooms | Amatoxins, Gyromitrins, Orellanine, Norleucine, Muscarine, Psilocybin, Muscimol, Ibotenic Acid, Coprine, Cyclopeptides, Phallotoxins, Virotoxins |
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What You'll Learn
- Amanita phalloides (death cap) mushrooms are toxic and deadly
- Poisonous mushrooms can cause liver and kidney failure
- Only 3% of mushrooms are poisonous, but they can be hard to identify
- Dogs are susceptible to mushroom poisoning and require immediate veterinary care
- Mushroom toxins include GI poisons, amatoxins, and orellanine
Amanita phalloides (death cap) mushrooms are toxic and deadly
Of the 10,000 species of mushrooms in the United States, only about 100 are toxic. However, it can be very difficult to tell them apart from non-toxic mushrooms. Amatoxins, the toxins found in Amanita phalloides, or death cap mushrooms, are responsible for over 95% of mushroom-related fatalities in the United States. They are also the deadliest mushroom worldwide, causing 90% of mushroom-related deaths every year.
Death caps are large fungi, growing up to 15 cm across and 15 cm tall, with a domed or white cap. The cap colour is variable, including white forms, and is not a reliable identifier. The caps are generally greenish in colour with a white stipe and gills. The gills are broad and free, white, turning cream or slightly pink as they age. The spores are elliptical in shape and the spore print is white. The stem is off-white, 7-15 cm high, with a floppy ring, swollen at the base and sits in a bag or volva. They are often found in mixed deciduous woods, especially under oak and beech trees.
Death caps are toxic because they contain three main groups of toxins: amatoxins, phallotoxins, and virotoxins. The principal toxic constituent is α-amanitin, which causes liver and kidney failure. The toxins inhibit RNA polymerase II, a vital enzyme in the synthesis of messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA, and small nuclear RNA (snRNA). Without mRNA, essential protein synthesis and hence cell metabolism stop, leading to cell death. The liver is the principal organ affected, as it is the first organ encountered after absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, although other organs, especially the kidneys, are also affected.
Death caps are also dangerous because they resemble several edible species, including Caesar's mushroom and the straw mushroom, commonly consumed by humans. They are also often mistaken for edible puffballs or mature specimens of other edible Amanita species.
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Poisonous mushrooms can cause liver and kidney failure
While there are over 10,000 species of mushrooms in the United States, only about 100 are toxic. However, it can be very difficult to differentiate poisonous mushrooms from non-poisonous ones. Poisonous mushrooms contain a variety of different toxins, with gastrointestinal irritants being the most common. These irritants cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to significant dehydration and decreased heart rate.
Some mushrooms contain toxins that primarily target the kidneys, causing kidney failure. For instance, orellanine is a toxin that causes no symptoms for 3–20 days after ingestion, but by day 11, the process of kidney failure begins. Another example is the Conocybe filaris mushroom, which causes gastrointestinal distress and can lead to kidney failure.
Other mushrooms contain toxins that primarily target the liver. For example, the Amanita species, commonly known as the "death cap", contains amatoxins, which kill liver cells and cause liver failure. The toxins are then excreted by the kidneys, which can result in subsequent kidney failure. Galerina and Lepiota are other examples of mushrooms that contain amatoxins.
In summary, poisonous mushrooms can cause liver and kidney failure, and it is important to seek immediate medical attention if mushroom poisoning is suspected, as prompt treatment can reduce the risk of serious complications and death.
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Only 3% of mushrooms are poisonous, but they can be hard to identify
While only around 3% of mushrooms are poisonous, it can be challenging to differentiate between edible and toxic varieties. There are over 10,000 species of mushrooms in the United States, and approximately 100 of them are poisonous. Globally, there are about 100,000 known fungi species, with around 100 of those being toxic to humans.
Mushroom poisoning occurs when toxic mushrooms are ingested, often due to misidentification as edible mushrooms. Many poisonous mushrooms bear a striking resemblance to edible varieties, making them hard to distinguish. For example, the deadly Amanita phalloides, or "death cap," closely resembles edible straw and Caesar's mushrooms. Other toxic mushrooms, like the Galerina marginata, have been mistaken for hallucinogenic Psilocybe species.
The Amanita genus, particularly the Amanita phalloides, is the most frequently implicated in human and animal fatalities worldwide. These mushrooms contain amatoxins, which are responsible for over 95% of mushroom-related deaths in the United States. Amatoxins damage liver cells and can cause liver failure, leading to death. Other common toxins found in mushrooms include gyromitrins, orellanine, muscarine, ibotenic acid, and muscimol.
The symptoms of mushroom poisoning can vary depending on the type of toxin ingested. They can range from mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as vomiting and diarrhea, to more severe symptoms like liver failure and death. In some cases, symptoms may not appear for several hours or even days after ingestion, making timely diagnosis and treatment crucial.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is essential to exercise caution when consuming wild mushrooms or mushrooms collected by others. It is recommended to only consume mushrooms that have been identified by a mycology expert. Additionally, boiling, cooking, freezing, or processing may not always eliminate mushroom toxins, so proper identification is crucial.
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Dogs are susceptible to mushroom poisoning and require immediate veterinary care
There are over 10,000 species of mushrooms in the United States, but only about 100 are toxic. However, it can be very difficult to identify mushrooms and determine which are safe and which are poisonous. Due to the potential seriousness of mushroom exposure, it's crucial to seek immediate veterinary care if your dog has ingested any wild mushrooms. Clinical signs of mushroom poisoning in dogs can appear within 15-30 minutes after ingestion, but they can also be delayed up to 24 hours. In some cases, it may take up to 2-3 days to see evidence of liver and kidney failure.
If your dog has ingested mushrooms within the past two hours, your veterinarian may induce vomiting as a means of decontamination. Activated charcoal may also be administered to bind any additional toxins in the stomach. However, if your dog is already showing clinical signs, inducing vomiting may be too risky due to the possibility of aspiration pneumonia. Treatment for mushroom poisoning in dogs depends on the specific type and amount of mushroom ingested. Unfortunately, there is no specific antidote for mushroom poisoning, and the prognosis varies widely. In mild cases, gastrointestinal upset may resolve without medical attention, but in severe cases, the prognosis is poor, and the dog may succumb despite veterinary intervention.
To aid in the identification of the ingested mushroom and the determination of the appropriate treatment, it is helpful to bring a sample of the mushroom or photographs of it to the veterinarian. A complete blood count, serum blood chemistry, and urinalysis will likely be recommended for a baseline evaluation. While laboratory tests for mushroom toxins exist, they may not be readily available or completed in time to guide clinical treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to act quickly and seek veterinary care as soon as possible if you suspect your dog has ingested any type of mushroom.
Mushroom poisoning in dogs can occur at any time of the year, but it is most commonly reported in the spring and early autumn when mushrooms are more prevalent due to wet weather. The deadliest species of mushrooms for dogs include Amanita, Galerina, and Lepiota, which are absorbed by the stomach when ingested, leading to liver and kidney failure. Other toxic mushrooms may cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea, neurologic effects such as tremors and seizures, or hallucinogenic effects. Given their indiscriminate eating habits, dogs are particularly susceptible to mushroom poisoning, and it is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.
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Mushroom toxins include GI poisons, amatoxins, and orellanine
Mushroom poisoning occurs when toxic mushrooms are ingested, often due to misidentification as an edible species. There are over 10,000 species of mushrooms in the United States, with approximately 100 species known to be toxic and 15-20 species potentially lethal to humans. Mushrooms can contain various toxins, and GI poisons are the most frequently encountered.
GI poisons cause gastrointestinal irritation, ranging from mild discomfort to severe vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration and decreased heart rate. Orellanine is a GI poison that initially presents with flu-like symptoms but can lead to kidney failure if untreated. Orellanine poisoning is rare in the United States but accounts for most mushroom fatalities in some European regions. Cortinarius orellanus and Cortinarius speciosissimus are mushrooms that contain orellanine.
Amatoxins are another deadly toxin found in mushrooms. They are responsible for more than 90% of mushroom-related fatalities globally, including over 95% in the United States. Amatoxins block DNA replication and cell production, leading to cell death and potential liver and kidney failure. The toxin is heat-stable, so cooking does not eliminate the danger. Amanita, Galerina, and Lepiota species are known to contain amatoxins, with the Amanita phalloides, or "death cap," being one of the most toxic mushrooms.
Gyromitrins are hepatotoxic and epileptogenic toxins found in some mushrooms. While gyromitrin poisoning is rare in the United States, it accounts for most mushroom fatalities in certain European areas. Gyromitra esculenta, also known as false morel, is a mushroom that contains gyromitrins.
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Frequently asked questions
There are over 10,000 species of mushrooms in the United States, but only about 100 are toxic. However, it can be very difficult to tell them apart.
Symptoms can vary from slight gastrointestinal discomfort to liver failure and death, depending on the type of toxin ingested.
If you think you have eaten a poisonous mushroom, seek immediate medical attention. Even if you are unsure, it is better to be safe than sorry.
The best way to avoid eating poisonous mushrooms is to only eat mushrooms that have been identified by an expert. Do not eat wild mushrooms unless you are absolutely sure they are safe to consume.
