Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that grow in a variety of habitats all over the world. They are neither plants nor animals, but they are a vital part of the ecosystem as they decompose organic matter and convert pollutants into non-toxic compounds. While some mushrooms are edible, others are poisonous and can cause severe health issues, including death. Mushroom poisoning occurs when toxic mushrooms are misidentified as edible ones and ingested. The toxins in these mushrooms can cause gastrointestinal issues, organ failure, and even death. Therefore, it is crucial to seek expert advice and properly identify mushrooms before consuming them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of mushroom death | Poisoning from ingestion of toxic substances |
| Types of toxins | Amatoxins, Orellanine, Muscarine, α-Amanitin, Phallotoxins |
| Symptoms | Vomiting, Diarrhea, Kidney damage, Liver damage, Sweating, Salivation, Tears, Blurred vision, Palpitations, Respiratory failure, Pain in the kidneys, Thirst, Headache, Fatigue, Hallucinations |
| Time of onset of symptoms | 6-24 hours after ingestion, sometimes days or weeks later |
| Mortality rate | 10-15% |
| Prevention | Identification by a mushroom expert, only eating mushrooms bought from a reputable source |
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Poisonous mushrooms
Serious symptoms do not always occur immediately after eating poisonous mushrooms. Sometimes, symptoms only appear once the toxin has attacked the kidney or liver, which can be days or weeks later. The most common consequence of mushroom poisoning is gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. However, there are several recognized mushroom toxins with specific and sometimes deadly effects. For instance, orellanine causes kidney failure and death if left untreated. Another toxin, muscarine, stimulates the nerves and muscles, causing sweating, salivation, tears, blurred vision, palpitations, and respiratory failure in high doses.
The vast majority of mushroom-related deaths are caused by species in the genus Amanita, which includes the Destroying Angel and Death Cap mushrooms. These mushrooms are often mistaken for edible species, such as button mushrooms, meadow mushrooms, and straw mushrooms. The Death Cap mushroom is considered the deadliest mushroom, causing rapid loss of fluids, intense thirst, and severe liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage. Other poisonous mushrooms include the Jack O'Lantern, Yellow Morel, and Autumn Skullcap mushrooms.
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is crucial to only consume mushrooms purchased from a reputable source, such as a supermarket or greengrocer. If you suspect that you or someone in your care has ingested a poisonous mushroom, seek immediate medical attention. Do not wait for symptoms to occur, as some toxins may take days or weeks to show effects.
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Amatoxins
The presence of amatoxins in mushrooms can be detected by the Meixner test (Wieland test) and confirmed through chromatographic techniques in plasma or urine samples. Amatoxins are heat-stable, remaining toxic whether eaten raw or cooked, and soluble in water, making them exceptionally dangerous.
Proper identification of fungal species is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, as some mushrooms, like the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides), are often mistaken for edible varieties. The Death Cap is responsible for most mushroom toxicity cases and fatalities, with its gills and cap containing the highest concentrations of amatoxins.
If you suspect amatoxin ingestion, prompt medical attention is crucial. Early and aggressive hospital treatment improves the chances of survival and full recovery.
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Orellanine
Despite its toxicity, orellanine has shown promise as a potential treatment for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and ovarian cancer. It has generated promising data in preclinical studies, and phase I/II trials in humans were announced in early 2022.
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Kidney and liver damage
Mushroom poisoning can lead to acute kidney injury (AKI) and acute liver failure. Cases of AKI have presented with symptoms such as hypertension, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Acute liver failure caused by mushroom poisoning has been observed in patients who ingested Amanita phalloides, also known as the death cap mushroom. This species of mushroom contains amanitins, which are powerful hepatotoxins that inhibit RNA polymerase II in the liver.
The onset of symptoms from mushroom poisoning can vary, with some toxins causing symptoms within 6 to 12 hours of ingestion, while others may not cause symptoms for several days or even weeks. In the case of amatoxin poisoning, the first stage typically involves gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, followed by a period of clinical improvement. However, cytolytic hepatitis occurs silently, and after 48 hours or more, severe hepatic failure and kidney failure can occur.
It is important to seek medical attention immediately if mushroom poisoning is suspected, as cooking, peeling, drying, or soaking the mushroom does not make it safe for consumption. The only way to ensure the safety of wild mushrooms is to have them identified by a mushroom expert (mycologist).
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Misidentification
To prevent mushroom poisoning, it is crucial to correctly identify mushrooms before consumption. While some sources suggest familiarising oneself with both edible and toxic mushroom species, others recommend only consuming mushrooms purchased from a reputable source, such as a supermarket or greengrocer. If you suspect mushroom poisoning, seek immediate medical attention.
In addition to causing poisoning, misidentifying mushrooms can also lead to the consumption of psychedelic or hallucinogenic varieties, which may be harmful, especially if consumed unintentionally. These varieties, such as "magic mushrooms," contain psychotropic substances that can induce hallucinations and alter perception.
Furthermore, misidentification can result in the ingestion of mushrooms containing other toxins, such as orellanine, muscarine, and ibotenic acid. Orellanine can cause kidney failure, while muscarine stimulates the nerves and muscles, leading to sweating, salivation, tears, blurred vision, palpitations, and respiratory failure in high doses. Ibotenic acid is the main toxin in A. muscaria mushrooms.
To ensure accurate identification, it is recommended to provide detailed information about the mushroom's characteristics and habitat. This includes high-quality photographs of the mushroom's top and underside, its native environment, and the surrounding vegetation or substrates it grows on, such as wood, dung, or the ground. With this information, experts can more confidently identify the mushroom species and determine its safety for consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are neither a complete life form nor a plant, but rather an organ, so they are not alive in the same way that animals are. They are fungi, which are decomposers that break down organic matter.
Mushrooms can cause death when ingested. About 9 out of 10 fungi-related deaths are attributable to the death cap mushroom (*Amanita phalloides*), which causes liver and kidney damage. Another example is the yellow-staining mushroom (*Agaricus xanthodermus*), which is the most commonly eaten poisonous mushroom in Victoria, Australia.
Symptoms of mushroom poisoning vary from slight gastrointestinal discomfort to death and can include vomiting, profuse watery diarrhoea, pain in the area of the kidneys, thirst, headache, fatigue, sweating, salivation, tears, blurred vision, palpitations, and respiratory failure.
