A guide to mycetisms: A toxicological and preventive overview

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Toxicology
• Public Health

Background:

• Fungi, including mushrooms, are a significant source of foodborne illness and intoxication due to their toxin content.
• Mushroom poisoning contributes to global morbidity and mortality, posing a substantial public health challenge.
• Current epidemiological data on mushroom poisoning is often limited and unrepresentative, hindering effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a comprehensive and accessible resource for understanding mushroom intoxications, their symptoms, and treatments.
• To establish a network for collecting data on mushroom poisoning incidence, species involved, and toxicological manifestations.
• To address the lack of specialist knowledge and effective therapeutic interventions for mushroom poisoning.

Main Methods:

• Creation of an easy-to-consult tool detailing mushroom toxicity, symptoms, and severe case treatments.
• Development of a data collection network to document cases of mushroom poisoning.
• Reporting of species, toxicological manifestations, and incidence for each poisoning case.

Main Results:

• The study provides a tool to better understand the variability of mushroom intoxications.
• An effective collection network was established to describe the incidence of mushroom poisonings.
• Data on species and associated toxicological manifestations were collected for reported cases.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for improved primary prevention strategies for mushroom poisoning.
• Training the public on mushroom identification and risks is essential.
• Enhanced collaboration between mycological experts and healthcare professionals is necessary for effective management and treatment.