Poisoning due to eating fungi in Victoria

To determine the range of fungi eaten in Victoria and the incidence and severity of associated illness.

From May 1997 to April 1999, 174 callers to the Victorian Poisons Information Centre who had eaten fungi posted samples for identification and 170 completed a questionnaire. The study was suspended for three months from 1 November 1997 to 10 January 1998 and for four months from 1 July 1998 to 30 October 1998.

Species categorised as: 'poisonous', 'possibly poisonous', 'hallucinogenic', 'possibly hallucinogenic' and 'coprine containing' or 'possibly coprine containing' were identified in 87/174 (50%) samples. Accidental ingestions: 55 types of fungus were identified in the 126 ingestions; Coprinus species were the most common (24/126 [19%]). Illness 'likely' or 'possibly' due to the fungi was reported in 13/126 (10%) of these ingestions. Deliberate ingestions: The fungi were eaten for food in 46/47 of these cases; 41 of these (89%) were Agaricus xanthodermus or other Agaricus species. Illness 'likely' or 'possibly' due to the fungi was reported in 40/47 (85%) deliberate ingestions. In one case the reason for ingestion was unknown.

A large range of fungi was eaten in the accidental ingestions; the incidence of illness was low. A small range of fungi was eaten deliberately. The predominant species was Agaricus xanthodermus, which was probably confused with other edible Agaricus species. The incidence of associated gastrointestinal irritation was high; it was of limited duration and mild severity.