Severe mushroom poisoning in one Macedonian family.
BACKGROUND
Collecting and consuming wild mushrooms is a historical tradition in many European countries, including The Republic of Macedonia. This activity is predominantly performed in the period between June and October, when the weather is warm and humidity in the air and soil is at higher levels.The Amanita genus consists of 500 different species of mushrooms; among these, Amanita phaloides, Amanita virosa and Amanita verna are most commonly found in oak forests in our country. These species are highly poisonous and because they can be similar to some edible mushrooms, they have often been misidentified. Their consumption causes severe intoxication.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this case series report is to demonstrate a severe poisoning with Amanita mushrooms (A. verna) that occurred in 8 patients, all from 1 Macedonian family.


RESULTS
We show the differences in the clinical appearance and status of these patients, the wide spectrum of symptoms as well as the treatment and outcome of this rare poisoning. One patient, an 8-month-old baby, was excluded from the study because the infant was immediately transferred to the pediatric clinic after admission to our clinic.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite modern therapy, poisoning due to ingestion of Amanita mushrooms is a serious clinical and health problem that may even be potentially lethal. The most efficient way for the general public to protect itself against potential poisoning is to avoid ingesting mushrooms that may not be edible.
University Clinic for Toxicology and Urgent Internal Medicine, Skopje - Republic of Macedonia.|Goce Delchev University, Medical School, Shtip - Republic of Macedonia.
Andon
A
Chibishev
University Clinic for Toxicology and Urgent Internal Medicine, Skopje - Republic of Macedonia.
Zanina
Z
Perevska
University Clinic for Toxicology and Urgent Internal Medicine, Skopje - Republic of Macedonia.
Natasha
N
Simonovska
University Clinic for Toxicology and Urgent Internal Medicine, Skopje - Republic of Macedonia.
Lidija
L
Petkovska
University Clinic for Pulmonology, Skopje - Republic of Macedonia.
Milena
M
Miletic
Institute for Preclinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Skopje - Republic of Macedonia.
Emilija
E
Shikole
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000545:Amanita; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006530:Hepatorenal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009145:Mushroom Poisoning / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D018843:Republic of North Macedonia; D016060:Sorption Detoxification