Chlorophyllum molybdites--severe mushroom poisoning in a child

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Determination of Tolerable Fatty Acids and Cholera Toxin Concentrations Using Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells and BALB/c Mouse Macrophages
09:39

Determination of Tolerable Fatty Acids and Cholera Toxin Concentrations Using Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells and BALB/c Mouse Macrophages

Published on: May 30, 2013

P H Stenklyft1, W L Augenstein

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville.

Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology
|January 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

A child experienced severe hypovolemic shock after eating a mushroom, Chlorophyllum molybdites, typically seen as a mild irritant. This highlights the potential for severe toxicity in children from seemingly benign mushroom ingestions.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Mushroom poisoning is a significant concern, especially in pediatric populations.
  • Chlorophyllum molybdites is commonly mistaken for edible species and often considered a gastrointestinal irritant.
  • Assessing the true toxicity of ingested mushrooms requires careful clinical evaluation.

Observation:

  • A 6-year-old female presented with hypovolemic shock following ingestion of Chlorophyllum molybdites.
  • The patient exhibited severe symptoms despite the mushroom's general classification.
  • Pediatric patients are particularly vulnerable to fluid volume depletion.

Findings:

  • The case demonstrates that gastrointestinal irritant mushrooms can cause severe systemic toxicity.
  • Hypovolemic shock can develop rapidly in children due to limited fluid reserve capacity.
  • Accurate identification and assessment of mushroom toxicity are crucial for timely intervention.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for severe toxicity in pediatric mushroom ingestions, even with commonly identified 'irritant' species.
  • Prompt fluid resuscitation and monitoring are critical in managing pediatric hypovolemia secondary to mushroom poisoning.
  • Further research into the specific toxic compounds and mechanisms of Chlorophyllum molybdites is warranted.

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