Hygienic and toxicological aspects of wild-growing mushroom poisoning (Review of literature data and the results of own research)

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Unsettling statistics of poisoning resulting from the use of wild-growing mushrooms necessitates a more detailed study of the life-threatening causes in human and determination of preventive measures. Objective. Analysis of the structure, changes over time and causes of poisoning by wild-growing mushrooms among the population of Kyiv and the Region of Kyiv in recent years. Materials and Methods. Cases of mushroom poisoning (ICD–T62.0) among the adult population of Kyiv; statistic data from the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and the toxicological centre of the Kyiv City Clinical Emergency Hospital. Study methods used: analytical, systemic and comparative analysis. Results and Discussion. In the general structure of acute poisoning, cases of mushroom poisoning account for 3%. The average hospital mortality rate is 9.3%. Among the aetiological factors, poison amanita prevails, conditionally edible mushrooms are in the second place, and edible mushrooms, which acquired toxic properties due to anthropogenic pollution of the environment are in the third place. The following abnormal conditions were found in poisoned persons: toxic gastroenterocolitis (81.4%), toxic neuropathy (2.1%), toxic hepatonephropathy (16.2%). It was established that the risk groups for poisoning associated with mushrooms are the population with a lack of understanding of the possible danger of eating mushrooms: unskilled workers, unemployed, school and preschool children and inhabitants of large cities who have no stranger in picking mushrooms (mainly men). In general, poisoned persons showed a low level of awareness of the danger and lack of knowledge about the means of preventing poisoning at the stages of picking, sorting and preparation of mushrooms and the rules of primary health care. Low efficacy of prevention against seasonal mushroom poisoning remains one of the factors of high morbidity and mortality. Conclusion. The study revealed that seasonal poisoning with wild-growing mushrooms remains an important medical and social problem in most regions of Ukraine. In recent years, measures of sanitary supervision and control in the field of prevention of seasonal mushroom poisoning have been significantly worsened. The situation requires the restoration of an integrated approach to preventive actions to prevent harm to life and health when eating wild-growing mushrooms. Key Words: sanitary and hygienic monitoring, mushroom poisoning.