An investigation of a food poisoning by Galerina sulciceps

Abstract

Objective To investigate a food poisoning caused by wild mushrooms and to identify the risk factors. Methods Epidemiological investigation, morphological and phylogenetic identification, and laboratory testing were taken to analyze the poisoning event. Results All the three cases complained of abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea after ingesting the poisonous mushrooms, and liver function impairment was found later. One case died after 5 days. The mushroom was identified as Galerina sulciceps by morphological and phylogenetic identification. Three kinds of toxins, include α-amanitin, β-amanitin and γ-amanitin were detected in laboratory. Conclusion The incident was caused by ingesting the poisonous mushroom, Galerina sulciceps. Public education, market supervision, foodborne disease surveillance should be enhanced, and the ability of medical institutions to diagnose and treat poisonous mushrooms should be improved.

Keywords

• mushroom
• galerina sulciceps
• food poisoning
• investigation