Poisoning by the Amanitin toxin is usually characterized by four different stages. The first stage, or latent period in which there are no symptoms, ranges from 6-15 hours after eating the poisonous mushrooms. Following the latent period is the second stage in which the patient experiences severe seizures of abdominal pain, profuse diarrhea, persistent vomiting, thirst, and a lack of urine production. This second stage persists for approximately 24 hours. Assuming survival of the second stage, the patient then goes into a third stage in which there is an appearance of recovery. This stage also lasts for about 24 hours. The fourth stage is a relapse. During this stage hepatic and renal failure plus encephalopathy often occurs resulting in death. Because of the destruction of clotting factors extensive hemolysis (also called “bleed out”) may be experienced. Amanita sp., Galerina sp., and Lepeota sp. are representative genera in which Amanitin is the principle toxin.
