ABSTRACT
This chapter provides state-of-the-art overviews on foodborne diseases caused by amatoxin in relation to their clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Since approximately 90% and 95% of deaths from mushroom poisonings worldwide are attributable to Amanita and other amatoxin-producing species, this chapter presents an overview on amatoxin in relation to its classification, structure, biology, epidemiology, clinical signs, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Upon ingestion, amatoxin is rapidly absorbed by the intestine epithelium and transported to the liver by OATP1B3 transporters, in which it weakly binds with plasma proteins. Amatoxin is excreted into the urine, bile/gastroduodenal fluids, and feces for several days after ingestion. Due to the absence of antidote for amatoxin, it is important to educate the general public about the danger of amatoxin-producing mushrooms in order to reduce unnecessary mortality and miseries. In addition, research on the mechanisms of amatoxin poisonings is essential to identify and develop novel and effective intervention strategies against mycetismus in human populations.
