MUSHROOM POISONIN 



iims." The fungi were fresh and prepared as often before and 

 since. Warren says, "1 know thej ma) contain Borne kind son 



i h;ii affects some people al certain i im< 



Ford 41 has examined specimens of 0. esculenta from M 

 chusetts. Ilf found them entirely negative and liarmleHH in ever) 

 method of testing on guinea i>i^. rabbits and the frog's heart. 



C0NCL1 SION - kND SI M M KR\ 



Because of the growth of popular interest in the stud) of the 

 mushrooms ;in<l toadstools, both as a "fad" and as a scientific | » - • — t 

 time, and because <>r the influx of foreigners accustomed t<> use 

 fungi for food, the subjecl of mushroom poisoning is assuming 

 increasing importance in America. 



The white Amanita or Death-cup i imanita phalloides) and its 

 few closely related species are responsible for ;ii Leasl nine tenth* 

 all fatal cases of mushroom poisoning. In illness caused by this 

 fungus-the mortality runs very high. Symptoms are >i\ to ten 

 hours in coming on. Buffering i^ extreme, and death often • 

 not occur until a week or more has elapsed, though the course is 

 quicker in children. There is no antidotal treatment. Clinical 

 course and post-mortem findings are characteristic. 



The white Amanita group contains a toxin found in no other 

 fungi. It is a poison which causes profound degenerative chai 

 in the internal organs and in the cells of the central nervi 

 B3 stem. 



The white Amanitas are easily recognized and avoided. 



In all cases of mushroom intoxication, it is the dutj of physicia 

 and of friends to make every efforl to Learn whether or nol l manita 

 phalloides has been eaten or whether some less dangerous toad 

 stool is causing the sickness. Such determination i> importanl 

 both in determining treatment and especially prognoe 



The yellow Amanita or "Flj Fungus," imanita muscaria, 

 rod in importance. It is much less poisonous It prodt 

 characteristic symptoms unlike those of I. phalloides, coming on 

 in three hours or Less, showing prompt disturbai the nerve 



centers, and a disease of Bhorter course and lower mortality. The 

 degenerative changes seen in L phalloides intoxications, do nol 

 occur, [f fatal results occur, this outcome niaj be ea rly. 



A large part of the disturbances produced bj imanita mm 

 are due to the muscarin constituent of the fungus. This i-- 



