Laura Smith
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of a group of fungi that have evolved alongside plants for millions of years. They are widely distributed throughout the world, with over 10,000 species in the United States alone. While many mushrooms are edible and safe, approximately 100 species are known to be poisonous to humans, and only about 15-20 species are potentially lethal when ingested. Mushroom poisoning occurs when toxic mushrooms are ingested, often due to misidentification as edible species. The severity of mushroom poisoning depends on factors such as geographic location, growth conditions, the amount of toxin consumed, and individual susceptibility. The symptoms of poisoning range from gastrointestinal discomfort to liver failure and death, depending on the type of toxin ingested. Some common poisonous mushrooms include Amanita phalloides (death cap), Conocybe filaris, and Galerina marginata. Given the risks, it is crucial to accurately identify mushrooms before consumption and seek expert advice when in doubt.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of mushroom species | 10,000+ in the US, 100,000+ worldwide |
| Number of toxic species | 100 in the US, 70-80 worldwide |
| Number of lethal species | 15-20 |
| Most common toxins | Amatoxins, Gyromitrins, Orellanine, Norleucine, Muscarine, Psilocybin, Muscimol, Ibotenic Acid, Coprine, Cyclopeptides |
| Most common toxic species | Amanita, Galerina, Lepiota, Chlorophyllum molybdites, Conocybe filaris, Cortinarius rubellus, Galerina marginata, Deadly Dapperling |
| Symptoms | Vomiting, Diarrhea, Tremors, Seizures, Liver Failure, Kidney Failure, Death |
| Treatment | Induce vomiting, Administer activated charcoal, Treat symptoms |
| Prevention | Do not consume wild mushrooms, only consume mushrooms identified by an expert |
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What You'll Learn
- Amanita phalloides, the 'death cap' mushroom, is one of the most poisonous mushrooms
- Only a small percentage of mushrooms are poisonous, but they can be hard to identify
- Mushroom poisoning can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to death
- Some mushrooms contain toxins that can cause liver and kidney failure
- If your dog eats a wild mushroom, seek immediate veterinary care
Amanita phalloides, the 'death cap' mushroom, is one of the most poisonous mushrooms
Of the 10,000 species of mushrooms in the United States, only about 100 are toxic. However, it can be very challenging to identify mushrooms and determine which are safe and which are poisonous. While mushroom poisoning outbreaks are rare in the United States, they are a significant food safety issue in China.
Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the death cap mushroom, is one of the most poisonous mushrooms. It is a deadly poisonous basidiomycete fungus and mushroom, one of many in the genus Amanita. Originating in Europe, it has been introduced to other parts of the world since the late twentieth century. The death cap has been involved in the majority of human deaths from mushroom poisoning, possibly including Roman Emperor Claudius in AD 54 and Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI in 1740. It is responsible for most deaths following ingestion of foraged mushrooms worldwide.
The death cap mushroom is often mistaken for edible mushrooms, increasing the risk of accidental poisoning. It resembles several edible species, most notably Caesar's mushroom and the straw mushroom, which are commonly consumed by humans. The white form of A. phalloides may be mistaken for edible species of Agaricus, especially young fruit bodies with unexpanded caps. Other similarly green-capped species include various green-hued brittlegills of the Russula genus and Tricholoma equestre, now regarded as hazardous.
The principal toxic constituent of the death cap mushroom is α-amanitin, which causes liver and kidney failure. Amatoxins, the principal toxic alkaloids found in these fungi, cause cell injury by halting protein synthesis. The major toxic mechanism is the inhibition of 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, and the cell dies. The liver is the principal organ affected, as it is the organ first encountered after absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, though other organs, especially the kidneys, are susceptible.
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Only a small percentage of mushrooms are poisonous, but they can be hard to identify
Only about 3% of known mushroom varieties are poisonous. However, they can be hard to identify, and even washing or cooking poisonous mushrooms may not make them safe to eat. Poisonous mushrooms often bear a resemblance to edible species, and some have similar-looking non-toxic varieties. For example, the toxic Amanita phalloides (or "death cap") mushrooms are white with umbrella-shaped tops and a cup at the base of their stems, and they are often mistaken for edible straw mushrooms or caesar's mushrooms. Other poisonous mushrooms, such as the deadly dapperling, are also known to be mistaken for edible varieties.
Mushroom poisoning can occur when toxic mushrooms are misidentified as edible ones. While mushroom poisoning outbreaks are rare in the United States, they are a major food safety issue in China. The severity of mushroom poisoning may depend on factors such as the geographic location where the mushroom is grown, the amount of toxin ingested, and individual susceptibility.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can vary from gastrointestinal discomfort to liver failure and death, depending on the type of toxin ingested. The most frequently encountered mushroom toxins are GI poisons, which include amatoxins, gyromitrins, and orellanine. Amatoxins are responsible for more than 95% of mushroom-related fatalities in the United States and are produced by some Amanita, Galerina, and Lepiota species. These toxins cause liver damage and can also lead to kidney failure as they are excreted by the kidneys. Orellanine is another toxin that causes kidney failure if left untreated. Other toxins, such as muscarine, psilocybin, muscimol, and ibotenic acid, are CNS poisons that can cause neurological and hallucinogenic effects, resulting in stumbling, tremors, and seizures.
It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect mushroom poisoning, as there is no simple test to differentiate a poisonous mushroom from a non-poisonous one. In cases of human poisoning, PCR assays can be used to identify ingested mushrooms when visual identification is challenging. To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is recommended to only consume mushrooms sold in grocery and specialty stores or to have an expert identify wild mushrooms before consumption.
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Mushroom poisoning can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to death
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 from the non-toxic varieties. This is because toxic mushrooms often have a close resemblance in terms of colour and general morphology to edible species. For example, the deadly dapperling is a gilled mushroom that has often been mistaken for edible varieties. The same goes for the Amanita phalloides mushroom, which looks similar to the Asian paddy-straw mushroom.
The symptoms of mushroom poisoning can vary from gastrointestinal discomfort to liver failure and death, depending on the type of toxin ingested. GI poisons are the most frequently encountered mushroom toxins. Amatoxins, in particular, are responsible for more than 95% of mushroom-related fatalities in the United States. They are synthesized by some Amanita, Galerina, and Lepiota species and can quickly damage cells throughout the body. Gyromitrins are also common and are synthesized by certain species of false morel. Other toxins to look out for include orellanine, muscarine, psilocybin, muscimol, and ibotenic acid.
The severity of mushroom poisoning may vary depending on the geographic location where the mushroom is grown, growth conditions, the amount of toxin delivered, and the genetic characteristics of the mushroom. In addition, the effects of mushroom poisoning can depend on an individual’s susceptibility and on the presence of confounding factors such as contamination or co-ingestion. For example, children are often exposed to nontoxic mushrooms, while older persons are at greater risk for the development of serious complications with mushroom poisoning.
The period between ingestion and the onset of symptoms varies dramatically between toxins. Some toxins, such as α-Amanitin, take 6–12 hours to cause symptoms, followed by a period of gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and profuse, watery diarrhea). This stage is caused primarily by the phallotoxins and typically lasts 24 hours. At the end of this second stage is when severe liver damage begins, which may continue for another 2–3 days. In some cases, symptoms may not appear for several days or even weeks, often leading to a misdiagnosis.
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Some mushrooms contain toxins that can cause liver and kidney failure
While most mushrooms are harmless, some species contain toxins that can cause liver and kidney failure. Of the over 5000 species of mushrooms, approximately 100 are poisonous to humans. However, this number varies according to different sources, with some claiming there are 70-80 species of poisonous mushrooms, while others state there are 15-20 species that are potentially lethal when ingested.
The toxins found in mushrooms can cause severe health issues, including liver and kidney failure. Amatoxins, for example, are toxins found in certain species of mushrooms, including Amanita, Galerina, and Lepiota. These toxins are hepatotoxic, meaning they can damage the liver and lead to liver failure. The toxins are absorbed by the stomach when ingested and then excreted by the kidneys, which can result in subsequent kidney failure.
Other toxins found in mushrooms include orellanine, which is also nephrotoxic and can cause kidney failure if left untreated. Gyromitrins are another type of toxin found in mushrooms, and while they are less hepatotoxic than amatoxins, they are still dangerous and can cause epileptic episodes.
The severity of mushroom poisoning can vary depending on several factors, such as the geographic location where the mushroom is grown, the amount of toxin ingested, and the individual's susceptibility. In some cases, mushroom poisoning can be treated with early and aggressive multidisciplinary care, but in other cases, liver or kidney transplantation may be necessary.
It is important to note that accurately identifying mushrooms can be challenging, and even similar-looking mushrooms can have varying levels of toxicity. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when consuming wild mushrooms and seek immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected.
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If your dog eats a wild mushroom, seek immediate veterinary care
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of a group of higher fungi that have evolved contemporaneously with plants for millions of years. There are thousands of species of mushrooms, but only about 100 are toxic and can cause mushroom poisoning. However, it can be very difficult to accurately identify mushrooms to determine which are safe and which are poisonous.
If your dog has ingested a wild mushroom, seek immediate veterinary care. Clinical signs of mushroom poisoning in dogs may affect pets quickly (within 15-30 minutes after ingestion), but they can also be delayed up to 24 hours. It may take 2-3 days to see evidence of liver and kidney failure. Common clinical signs of mushroom poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, and seizures, as well as liver and kidney failure.
Your veterinarian will start with a thorough history of any possible toxins your pet may have been exposed to. It’s always helpful to tell your vet if your pet was recently hiking, travelling, or out of your sight when they got sick, even if you did not see them eat a mushroom. If you know your pet ingested mushrooms, try to bring a sample of the mushroom to your vet for examination. It’s best to store the mushrooms in a damp paper towel or paper bag, as plastic bags can cause mushrooms to spoil faster. It may also be helpful to photograph the mushroom in nature—and be sure to get shots from all angles.
If your pet ate mushrooms within the past two hours, your veterinarian may induce vomiting at the hospital as a means of decontamination. If your dog is already showing clinical signs, it may be too late to induce vomiting, as there is a risk of aspiration pneumonia. The vet may also give your dog activated charcoal to bind any additional toxin in the stomach. Unfortunately, there is no specific antidote for mushroom poisoning in dogs. Treatment varies depending on the type and amount of mushroom ingested. Some dogs may be treated outpatient, with symptomatic care for vomiting and diarrhea.
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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 identify poisonous mushrooms, and consuming even a bite of them can be harmful.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can vary from gastrointestinal discomfort to liver failure and death, depending on the type of toxin ingested. The most common consequence of mushroom poisoning is gastrointestinal upset, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
The most common dangerous mushrooms are those belonging to the Amanita genus, especially Amanita phalloides, also known as "death cap" mushrooms. Other common poisonous mushrooms include the Galerina and Psilocybe species, the Deadly Webcaps, and the Fool's Webcaps.
If you are foraging for mushrooms, it is important to familiarize yourself with the mushrooms you intend to collect, as well as with any similar-looking toxic species. Dr. Kapoor recommends not consuming any wild mushrooms that haven’t been identified by a mushroom specialist (mycologist).
