Specimens of Amanita bisporigera, the species the subject of the study mistakenly ingested, at varying stages of maturity (bar = 5 cm). (Photo credit: C. Stein et al., CMAJ)
Distinguishing poisonous mushrooms from edible varieties can be tricky as they can look so similar that even experts are challenged. A case reported in this week’s CMAJ reminds that “patients should be counselled that poisonous and edible mushrooms can be very similar in appearance and that wild mushrooms of uncertain identity should not be eaten.
This information is especially important for immigrants who might mistake local poisonous mushrooms for familiar edible species from their native land.”
Original research paper published in the CMAJ on July 13, 2015.
Names and affiliations of selected authors
