The hemolytic syndrome
Incubation : short (from 30 minutes to 6 hours)Toxic compounds involved : hemolysing glycoproteins, hemolysin causing the destruction of red blood cells
Signs of intoxication : disgestive disorders, nausea, vomiting, jaundice (sometimes paralysis of muscles leading to death in the most serious cases)
Many edible mushrooms contain hemolysins, which are destroyed by heat. Incidents occur only when these species are eaten raw or insufficiently cooked. The consumption of Morels (Morchella group) either hardly cooked or eaten in too vast quantities can also lead to the cerebellar syndrome, occuring 5 to 6 hours after ingestion, causing neurological disorders such as dizziness, trembling, eye problems
Treatment : take to hospital immediately
Responsible species :
- Many ascomycetes like Morels, that need to be thoroughly cooked, but also Cups, among which the Bleach Cup, Saddles, Verpas, that one might as well refrain from eating at all
- Certain species of the genus Amanita, especially The Blusher, the group of the Grisette, the group of the Oyster Mushroom, as well as certain Boletes (especially the Spotted-stem Bolete, and the Lurid Bolete).
Other intoxications by mushrooms
page updated on 25/06/15